Cities’ costs soar in handling asylum crisis

Arranging crisis shelter for refugees is costing municipalities tens of thousands of euros, which is written off as contingency fees. This is according to research done by Eindhovens Dagblad. A crisis refugee shelter usually consists of a sports hall or gymnasium where refugees stay for 72 hours. A spokesperson for the municipality of Nuenen, currently sheltering 200 asylum seekers in the Hongerman sports hall, told the newspaper that the municipality gets 40 euros per refugee per day. But according to the Association of Dutch municipalities, the actual costs amount to an average of about 100 euros per refugee per day. The municipalities currently book the extra costs and unforeseen expenses. The Association recently raised the issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs and expects an answer on whether or not the State will compensate municipalities sometime next week.