Red Cross condemns lack of permanent asylum‑seeker housing at Ter Apel, Netherlands

The reception centre at Ter Apel has exceeded its 2,000‑person capacity, housing more than 2,300 asylum seekers – the highest level in two years. Because the centre is full, asylum seekers have been moved each night to temporary locations, including 126 people who slept in the Hanzeplaza congress centre in Groningen. The Red Cross called the situation “inhumane” and “incomprehensible”, urging the government to provide fixed accommodation for weeks or months, including daytime shelter.

The COA, which manages the centre, says it cannot ensure safety and livability at such numbers. Over recent years the agency has paid about €12 million in penalties, with €6.5 million to the municipality of Westerwolde, over €3 million to Hardenberg and roughly €2 million to Epe. Amsterdam has announced plans to temporarily accommodate an additional 230 refugees in existing facilities.

The Red Cross continues to coordinate temporary housing to prevent people from sleeping outdoors while it presses authorities for a longer‑term solution.