According to an analysis by the ANP agency based on data from the COA (the central body for the reception of asylum seekers), the costs for managing night-time emergency facilities for asylum seekers have risen to millions of euros. says NOS.
A structure like the one in Beilen costs approx 7000 euros per night even if empty, while with 200 guests the cost rises to 18,500 euros per night. Since last December, around 181 people have been welcomed every night on average, for a total of 60,000 overnight stays.
Paula Lambeck, COA manager, explains that high costs include ground rent, tents, catering, toilets, cleaning, bus transport, security and additional staff.
The Ter Apel reception center has a maximum capacity of 2000 people, but this limit has often been exceeded. As a result, many asylum seekers were transferred to emergency facilities in places such as Stadskanaal, Beilen and Nieuwe Pekela, with evening bus journeys and returns the next morning.
According to the COA, even these temporary facilities are often insufficient, as demonstrated by the months of August and October, when other emergency locations, including Ugchelen, were used. Organizations like Vluchtelingenwerk criticize the continued displacement of asylum seekers, calling it problematic and highlighting the lack of privacy, tranquility, hygiene and adequate food.
The Minister for Asylum, Faber, declared that the objective is to reduce the flow of asylum seekers.
**Considering the significant per-night cost of emergency facilities, even when unoccupied, what are the potential cost-saving measures that could be considered without compromising the safety and dignity of asylum seekers?**
## World Today News Exclusive: The Cost of Emergency Asylum Facilities
**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re tackling the rising costs and ethical complexities of housing asylum seekers in emergency facilities in the Netherlands.
Joining us today are:
* **Paula Lambeck:** Manager of the COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers)
* **Jasper Bakker:** Spokesperson for Vluchtelingenwerk, a leading refugee support organization
**I’d like to thank both of you for being here today.**
**Section 1: The Financial Burden**
* **Paula, the article highlights soaring costs for night-time emergency facilities. Can you elaborate on the specific factors that contribute to these costs, and are there any efforts being made to reduce them?**
* **Considering the substantial per-night costs, even when empty, do you believe the current emergency facility model is financially sustainable? What alternatives might be considered?
**
**Section 2:
The Human Impact**
* **Jasper, your organization has been vocal about the drawbacks of relying on these temporary shelters. Can you detail the specific hardships faced by asylum seekers housed in these facilities?**
* **Beyond the lack of privacy and hygiene, what are the long-term implications of this displacement on the well-being of asylum seekers, particularly vulnerable groups like families and children?**
* **Paula, how does the COA balance the need for efficient and cost-effective solutions with the need to provide humane and dignified living conditions for asylum seekers?**
**
**Section 3: Finding Solutions**
* **Minister Faber has stated the government’s aim to reduce the flow of asylum seekers. Can you elaborate on the actions being taken to achieve this, and how does this approach address the current crisis in asylum accommodation?
* **Jasper, what concrete solutions does Vluchtelingenwerk propose to alleviate the pressure on emergency facilities?
* **Looking ahead, what do you envision as the ideal model for asylum seeker accommodation in the Netherlands, taking into account both practical and ethical considerations?**
**
**Concluding Remarks**
The situation surrounding asylum seeker accommodation is complex and multifaceted. We appreciate the insights shared by both Paula and Jasper today. This critical conversation sheds light on the challenges and potential solutions, reminding us of the importance of finding humane and sustainable solutions for those seeking refuge.
**
**Thank you for joining us on World Today News.
**
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