Hundreds of people who have already been sentenced to prison in the Netherlands might never serve their time, as ongoing shortages of staff and cells delay enforcement to the point that some sentences risk expiring under legal deadlines.

According to ministerial answers to parliamentary questions obtained by De Telegraaf, the issue affects 658 cases involving 534 individuals whose sentences are set to reach their statute of limitations in 2026. In total, the cases account for 14 years of prison time. Those affected are reportedly primarily individuals convicted of minor offenses, including theft or failure to pay outstanding fines.

The looming expirations stem from a prolonged capacity crisis within the prison system, where a structural lack of cells and personnel has led to significant delays in carrying out sentences.

Because of the delays, many convicted individuals remain at home awaiting enforcement of their sentences. In some cases, they are only required to report to prison once space becomes available; in others, they wait to be arrested.

Back in December 2025, the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) stated that the prison system is in “code black,” citing a structural shortage of cells mentioned above. At that time, about 3,300 convicted criminals in the Netherlands remained free while awaiting their sentences.

The Tweede Kamer is reportedly now seeking to ensure that these sentences are still carried out despite the delays, proposing electronic monitoring, such as ankle bracelets, as an alternative to incarceration.