According to political journalist Leendert Beekman, this is serious money. ‘Some trainers have brought hundreds of thousands of people with the STAP program.’ For example, sweet trips were made through the program and course prices were raised to a thousand euros, while that was also the maximum reimbursement from the government. ‘This budget has been used very creatively and that’s why it is Jack Put.’
Candy trips
The new rules put an end to sweet trips, Beekman says. ‘Furthermore, there will be a maximum number of students and, in case of abuse, the trainer will be excluded from the STAP scheme.
Minister Van Gennip is convinced that the new rules will prevent abuses. “He will also implement additional measures in the coming months and will enforce very strict on excessive price increases.”
“As annoying as it was to have to disappoint people who wanted to start training through STAP earlier this year, it has been good that we have taken the time to implement the necessary improvements to the program over the past period,” says the minister. ‘With the measures taken, I am confident that the STAP regime will work better. Further improvements will be implemented in the coming months, such as the adjustment of the application process.’