1 out of 3 reception center spaces not in use

RÅDE.Reception center.Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpix

One-third of the spots in the country’s asylum centers – a total of nearly 12,000 spots – are empty. Its costing  several million every day.

In recent months, fewer asylum seekers have arrived in Norway than in almost 20 years. That, along with efforts to provide permanent housing to those who have been granted residence has lead to many reception spots remaining vacant. As of June 20th there were nearly 12,000 spots available at the reception centers, both in permanent spots and unit price spots, newspaper VG reports. The number includes places at reception centers in Råde and Kirkenes.

According to the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) it costs an average of 110,000 kroner per reception space  per year. It provides a daily price of 301 kroner, at times 12,000 kroner per year, this ends up costing just over 3.6 million a day for the unused slots.

– We must have some contingency. We must find solutions that are cheaper for the state. Merchants and government must sit down and find a solution, says Tore Vaagen of The Reception Centre organization (DROF).

UDI says it is difficult to predict how the situation will evolve, but they have already decided to reduce the capacity by 4,700 seats. This will come into effect starting from the 31st July and  continue until September, says Christine Wilberg, director of the regional and receiving department.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today