Strict restrictions on troublesome asylum seekers in Tir Apple
Starting from June 1, a strict and restrictive system of freedom will be imposed on asylum seekers who cause disturbances inside Ter Apel, as announced by Minister Faber, the Minister of Asylum and Migration, in a letter addressed to the Dutch House of Representatives.
Last February, a special experiment began imposing obligations on asylum seekers with weak chances of asylum, including mandatory reporting and close monitoring. Under the new step, the freedom of movement for troublesome asylum seekers will be reduced at a special location known as the 'availability for procedures location' (procesbeschikbaarheidslocatie - pbl).
At this site, asylum seekers are forced to stay within a limited area inside and around the asylum center all day long, and they are not allowed to go to the nearby village and city centers such as Ter Apel and Nieuw Weerdinge. If they violate these strict rules, they may be detained.
The reopening of this site is considered an important step, especially after it was deemed illegal by the judiciary last year, leading to its temporary suspension. The new approach allows for escalating measures against troublesome asylum seekers, with each action determined based on an individual assessment. If the troublesome behavior continues, more severe measures such as detention can be imposed directly without going through preliminary stages.
Minister Fabre stated: "I find it unacceptable that asylum seekers come seeking safety in our country, only to intimidate the residents and spread a sense of insecurity. These nuisances deserve the harshest penalties. I will not accept any form of disturbance, now or in the future."
The government has also announced its intention to support business owners affected by the disruptive behavior of asylum seekers by facilitating the claims process for compensation, while considering the establishment of a special office in the municipality of Westerwolde to provide assistance in this regard.