In the last 12 years, almost one in three Dutch municipalities – a total of 111 out of 342 – have not provided accommodation for asylum seekers, according to the data from the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) which it shared with RTV Noord. The crucial question is whether this will change after the Senate debates the so-called dispersal law that would allow the Dutch government to force municipalities to house asylum seekers, potentially providing relief to the overwhelmed Ter Apel center.
Impact on northern provinces and municipalities
Groningen and Drenthe aren’t expected to be affected by the dispersal law, as they’ve all accommodated asylum seekers in the past 12 years. Friesland shows a slightly lower participation rate, mainly due to the specific challenges of the Wadden Islands. Overijssel has mostly engaged in asylum seeker accommodation, with just two exceptions. Further south, Utrecht and parts of North-Holland and North-Brabant face gaps in asylum seeker hosting.
Why some municipalities didn’t host asylum seekers?
Rozendaal in Gelderland is one such municipality that hasn’t hosted asylum seekers. Mayor Ester Weststeijn expresses hope for the dispersal law, stating their willingness to contribute. “It is terrible what is happening in Ter Apel,” she said. “We also feel the social responsibility to solve this together.”
The emotional plea from the mayor of Westerwolde, affected by Ter Apel’s overcrowded center, resonates nationwide. However, some municipalities cite lack of space or specific conditions for non-participation.
Emphasis on urgency for Ter Apel
The dispersal law, a potential game-changer for Ter Apel, could streamline the movement of asylum seekers and alleviate the strain on the overburdened registration center. The fate of this crucial legislation, likely to be determined by the Senate vote on January 23, is still shrouded in uncertainty. While the PVV, VVD, BBB, Ja21, FvD, and SGP are anticipated to oppose the bill, the VVD’s recent shift in stance may pave the way for unexpected support.