Millions spent on security in reception facilities
The state of Rhineland-Palatinate spends tens of millions of euros per year on security in state-run reception facilities for refugees. This is according to a response from the Ministry of Integration in Mainz to a question from the Free Voters' parliamentary group in the state parliament. According to the answer, the costs amounted to around 25.03 million euros last year. In 2021, it was 19.58 million. In the current year 2023, 21.88 million euros had been spent by the end of September. Rhineland-Palatinate spent the highest amount on this in recent years in 2016 - at that time it was 36.50 million euros.
These security services are put out to tender via the state's tendering platform. According to the ministry, the tender documents describe the services to be provided, the number of staff required and the requirements placed on the personnel. The number of staff depends on the size and structure of a property as well as the current security situation and fire protection requirements.
In the case of the state's reception facilities for asylum seekers (AfA), the Supervisory and Service Directorate (ADD) in Trier checks whether the contracted companies are completely fulfilling their task. According to the ministry, ADD employees check so-called guard books, in which incidents are recorded, on a daily basis.
The rising expenditures on security in Rhineland-Palatinate's refugee reception facilities have sparked debate among politicians, with some questioning the need for such high migration-related expenses. Despite a decrease in spending in recent years, the costs still surpassed 20 million euros in 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenge of providing adequate refugee services while managing financial resources effectively.
Source: www.dpa.com
