The Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and housing corporation umbrella group Aedes are urging municipalities and housing corporations to expedite housing for refugees with residence permits. They propose allocating an average of two homes per municipality to house approximately 1,300 refugees, helping alleviate pressure on the Ter Apel registration center.
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) had previously issued an urgent call to municipalities, warning of potential overcrowding. Each day the center exceeds its capacity, the COA incurs a daily fine to the municipality of Westerwolde.
VNG chair Sharon Dijksma acknowledges that this measure is not a comprehensive solution to the asylum issue but aims to avoid the need for emergency shelters. The VNG and Aedes recommend municipalities with medium-sized populations house four refugees, suggesting local solutions.
Dijksma emphasizes the urgent housing need and the inefficiencies of temporary accommodations. COA currently houses over 19,000 refugees awaiting permanent housing, causing bottlenecks.
The VNG and Aedes aim to aid in transitioning refugees to permanent homes, reducing pressure on intake centers. Martin van Rijn of Aedes concurs that building new housing is a long-term solution.
The government, however, is considering ending the policy of allocating refugees to municipalities and revoking priority for social housing.
Source: NOS