The Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers (COA) has faced significant procurement issues, as highlighted in its recently published financial year report. The report reveals that the COA has issued contracts totalling nearly €1.4 billion over the last three years without adhering fully to European procurement regulations. This non-compliance has raised concerns regarding the management of public funds and the impact on asylum seekers.
Procurement Failures Highlighted in Financial Report
The financial year report from the COA indicates a troubling trend in procurement practices, with €655.2 million spent unlawfully in peak year 2024 alone, followed by €373.5 million in the previous year. The majority of these irregularities stem from expenditures related to “old agreements,” which include the rental of ships, hotels, and other temporary locations. Such practices not only breach procurement regulations but also raise questions about the transparency and accountability of public spending in the context of asylum seeker accommodations.
Impact on Asylum Seekers and Temporary Housing
The COA’s shift towards more expensive temporary accommodation options, such as cruise ships and event halls, has resulted in a significant decline in living conditions for asylum seekers. Many residents experience a lack of privacy and limited access to cooking facilities, work, education, and recreational activities. Although these accommodations are intended for short-term stays, many asylum seekers find themselves living in such conditions for months or even years, often sharing rooms with multiple individuals due to the current occupancy rates exceeding 100 percent.
Concerns Over Child Asylum Seekers
The report highlights alarming statistics regarding unaccompanied minor asylum seekers, with 46 percent residing in temporary shelters, translating to thousands of vulnerable children. The COA acknowledges that these locations often lack adequate support, education, and mental health care. The prolonged stay in such environments raises fears among caregivers and COA staff that some minors, particularly from Syria, may become involved in criminal activities, as they frequently wait for extended periods for decisions on their asylum applications.
Staffing Challenges and Increased Absenteeism
The COA is also grappling with staffing shortages, which have exacerbated the challenges faced in providing adequate care for asylum seekers. The absenteeism rate among COA employees has risen from 7.9 percent to 9.5 percent over the past two years, nearly double the national average. This increase in absenteeism not only affects the quality of care provided to asylum seekers but also places additional pressure on the remaining staff, further complicating the already strained situation.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Contracts Issued | €1.4 billion |
| Unlawful Spending in 2024 | €655.2 million |
| Unlawful Spending in Previous Year | €373.5 million |
| Percentage of Unaccompanied Minors in Temporary Shelters | 46% |
| Absenteeism Rate Among COA Employees | 9.5% |
The COA has issued contracts totalling nearly €1.4 billion over the last three years without adhering fully to European procurement regulations.
WHY IT MATTERS
The COA’s procurement non-compliance raises serious questions about the management of public funds and the welfare of asylum seekers, highlighting the need for improved oversight and adherence to regulations.
Reported from nrc.nl, 2026-08-28. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
