Municipalities are no longer allowed to refuse certain asylum seekers, such as single men, in their emergency (crisis) shelter. In that case, asylum seekers will be received “unsolicited if necessary” in reception places that apply restrictions. This is what Secretary of State Eric van der Burg (Asylum Affairs) writes to the House of Representatives.
Such restrictions mean that available seats remain empty, even if they are badly needed. “The bed places are currently empty due to restrictions on the placement of target groups or other agreements with the municipalities,” writes the state secretary. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) ‘desperately needs’ those posts.
Without restrictions
Van der Burg calls once again on the municipalities not to apply any restrictions. If they continue to do so, in the “extreme case” asylum seekers will still be placed in reception places where municipalities only wish to welcome women and children, for example, or impose other conditions on the arrival of asylum seekers.
Van der Burg understands “the social dynamics that arriving somewhere can bring about”, but the Netherlands cannot afford restrictions in this asylum crisis.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
