Information gaps hinder action on asylum seeker nuisance

According to NRC, both municipalities and the COA currently have limited insight into asylum seekers who are detained by police outside official asylum reception centres. A majority in the Dutch parliament voted on Thursday in favour of a motion that would allow this information to be shared. However, this may conflict with existing privacy regulations.

At present, privacy laws largely prevent the police, COA, and municipalities from exchanging information. Data is only shared in specific cases, such as those involving the nearly 1,300 persistent offenders listed on the so-called Top X list. The issue mainly concerns a group of young asylum seekers who move around the country, NRC reports. They commit criminal offences outside the reception centres where they are formally registered.

The COA confirms that it is not routinely informed when asylum seekers come into contact with the police. When asked whether the COA would like to receive such information, a spokesperson said the organisation would like to be able to share data with the police and municipalities in order to help ensure safety at asylum reception centres.