Not enough space in reception centre in Ter Apel if you apply for asylum there

You register in Ter Apel if you want to apply for asylum in the Netherlands. However, it is currently very busy at the registration center. There are too few places available.

As a result, not everyone gets a place to sleep immediately. Some people have to wait outside.

You can still apply for asylum
Even if it is busy in Ter Apel, you can still apply for asylum. It is important that you report to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in Ter Apel.

The IND registers that you want to apply for asylum. Only after that does your asylum procedure officially begin.

Normally, after registering, you receive accommodation from the Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers (COA). However, at the moment, a place is not always immediately available.

Vulnerable people may be given priority for accommodation.

Vulnerable people can be given priority for shelter.

Tell COA, IND, VluchtelingenWerk Nederland, or the Red Cross immediately if one of these situations applies to you:

• You are sick;

• You are pregnant;

• You are a minor and alone;

• You are with children;

• You have a disability;

• You have psychological complaints;

• You take medication;

• Don't feel safe;

• You have another vulnerable situation.

Do you have medical records or other important documents? Please show them if possible.

Various organizations are present in Ter Apel:

• IND: The Immigration and Naturalisation Service assesses your asylum application.

• COA is responsible for reception.

• VluchtelingenWerk Nederland provides information, listens, and identifies vulnerable situations.

• The Rode Kruis is present in Ter Apel providing emergency aid, such as food, water, blankets, access to toilets, and a listening ear.

Do you have to wait outside? Then try to stay as safe as possible.

This is what you can do:

• Ask for help from official aid organizations or from people you know and trust. Do not just go along with people you do not know.

• Request information from COA, VluchtelingenWerk, or the Red Cross;

• Report it immediately if you are sick or do not feel safe;

• Use your phone only when necessary, so that the battery lasts longer;

• Keep your documents safe;

• Stay together as a family or group as much as possible;

• Follow the instructions of official organizations.

You may ask for help from people you know and trust. For example, for food, drink, warm clothing, or a blanket.

But pay close attention to your safety. Do not just go along with people you do not know. Not even if someone offers you a place to sleep.

Are you unsure if something is safe? Then first ask for advice from an aid organization present.