Overview
- The municipality began charging the Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers after the Fletcher Hotel shelter failed to close as planned, with more than 200 people still staying there.
- COA said it tried to move residents but could not find places elsewhere because capacity is tight nationwide and it will not put people on the street.
- The daily penalty in Epe can build to almost €11.5 million if the hotel still houses asylum seekers into mid-October.
- Other towns are using the same tool, with Hardenberg’s total nearing €1.6 million and Westerwolde confirming €6.5 million paid over crowding at Ter Apel.
- Seeking relief, COA asked cities to add beds, including a request in Zutphen for 324 short-term places and talks on 96 more permanent spots at the local center.