Overview
- After roughly two weeks under the limit, Ter Apel again topped 2,000 occupants over the weekend with nightly counts of 2,035, 2,061 and 2,076, the highest since mid‑November.
- Daily penalties of €50,000 have pushed the payable total to about €2.3 million, with the €5 million ceiling potentially reached by early February if overcapacity persists.
- COA told Lochem by email it intends to place 40 adult asylum seekers in four vacant bungalows early next year, possibly February, deviating from a 1–2 year phased expansion to the 250‑person cap.
- Lochem officials and residents objected, citing unfinished traffic, lighting and livability measures and a prior unannounced placement at Hotel De Paasberg; the municipality has started an enforcement trajectory as COA points to the national capacity shortfall.
- Minister Mona Keijzer promised MPs quick clarity on the underperforming damage fund for Ter Apel businesses and acknowledged the rising fines, saying she is working to keep the intake center below 2,000.