VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN) and the Red Cross will be back in Ter Apel from Wednesday 15 July

According to

There have been a great deal of tension and unsafe situations at the Ter Apel application centre for some time now. For this reason, VWN and the Red Cross decided last Friday 10 July to temporarily suspend their support there. They can only provide assistance if it is safe for you and for their staff.

As VWN and the Red Cross were no longer present on the ground, aid efforts at that location also stopped.

This meant that:

• You could no longer ask them any questions on the ground.

• They could no longer tell whether someone needs extra help.

• They could no longer provide you with any further assistance on the ground.

You can do the following to stay as safe as possible:

• Keep a close eye on your belongings and do not leave them unattended.

• Spend as much time as possible with your family, relatives or other people you trust.

• Help one another. Keep an eye on each other’s belongings and wake each other up when COA staff call out to people.

• Do not go off with people you do not know.

• Request information from the COA or another official organisation.

• Let us know straight away if you are ill or if you do not feel safe.

• Only use your phone when necessary, so that the battery lasts longer.

• Always keep your important documents, mobile phone and money safe. It is best to carry them with you at all times.

• Follow the guidance issued by official organisations.

If you need extra help, tell the

You may need extra help if:

• You are ill.

• You are pregnant.

• You are under 18 and travelling without your parents.

• You have children with you.

• You have a disability.

• You have mental health issues.

• You are taking medication.

• You do not feel safe.

• You are particularly vulnerable for another reason.

Do you have any medical records or other important documents? Always keep them with you and show them if asked.

Once you have submitted your asylum application, you are allowed to stay with friends or family. However, this is at your own risk.

The COA cannot be held responsible if you are not present when your name is called.

If your name is called and you are not there, your name will be recorded as MOB (departed to an unknown destination). You will then be considered ‘absent’ and may have to submit a new asylum application.

You can register for an online consultation

During an online consultation, you can receive personal or legal advice about your situation.

Please note:

• You will need a

  V-number
  for this.

• You will need the Microsoft Teams app.

• VWN staff can only help you if you have already submitted your asylum application.