Publication date: 21 February 2026
This ad hoc query examines whether accommodation centres are included in spatial planning regulations in EMN Member and Observer Countries, and whether exceptions apply during periods of significant increases in asylum applications. It also looks at possible exceptions to zoning rules, environmental impact assessments, and the duration of construction and operative permits. Finally, it explores whether countries have formal guidance or standards for establishing such centres, including aspects like room sizes or site location.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: reception centre, applicant for international protection, urban planning, zoning rules, environmental impact, building standards
Publication date: 26 September 2025
This Inform examines how international protection applicants and accommodation centres are distributed across 23 EMN Member Countries and Serbia, and how such policies are governed and managed. It compares approaches, criteria and mechanisms used by different countries, highlighting both challenges and good practices. The study also looks at how local communities and stakeholders are informed and engaged in the process. Finally, it identifies opportunities for further collaboration to support effective reception and integration.
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Main theme: Integration, Reception
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: distribution, applicant for international protection, reception centre, local community, communication, funding, municipality
Publication date: 16 February 2025
This ad hoc query examines whether EMN Member and Observer Countries use mechanisms to verify that applicants are genuinely residing in the allocated accommodation. It explores how these mechanisms are implemented, whether vulnerability criteria are considered, and the rules for determining if accommodation has been abandoned and if residents can challenge such assessments. It also looks into whether these mechanisms have led to legal challenges, particularly regarding data protection.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: reception centre, reception facility, presence monitoring
Publication date: 01 November 2024
This inform provides insights into the governance and processes of accommodation for applicants for international protection in EMN Member and Observer Countries. This governance of accommodation is crucial for responding to challenges, such as fluctuating asylum applications, limited housing capacity, and community relations.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: reception centre, reception facility, accommodation, applicant for international protection
Publication date: 03 May 2024
This ad hoc query seeks to better understand EMN Member and Observer Countries’ approaches to the accommodation of individuals who have been granted a status (international protection or humanitarian permission) and to requirements for financial contributions for those with these statuses.
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Main theme: International Protection
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: beneficiary of international protection, reception centre, financial contribution
Publication date: 03 May 2024
This ad hoc query seeks to better understand EMN Member and Observer Countries’ approaches to financial contributions in the context of reception for international protection applicants.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: applicant for international protection, reception centre, financial contribution
Publication date: 17 May 2023
This report from the European Union Agency for Asylum provides information on environmental sustainability strategies and policies implemented in reception facilities in EU+ countries.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: environmental sustainability, reception centre
Publication date: 20 December 2022
Fedasil, the Belgian Reception Agency, aims to harmonise the use of interpreters in its reception facilities. This ad hoc query examines if Member States have established guidelines or instructions on the use of interpreting services and how these services are provided in reception facilities.
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Publication date: 20 September 2022
This ad hoc query mainly collects information on calculation methods used to determine the necessary reception capacity for applicants for international protection and on the flexibility measures developed in case of shortage or surplus. It also examines how EMN Member and Observer Countries organise the outflow of beneficiaries of international protection and rejected applicants for international protection to housing and other forms of accommodation.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: reception centre, reception capacity, flexibility, shortage, surplus, outflow to housing
Publication date: 17 August 2015
On 27 July 2015, UNHCR and Fedasil launched the report “All Born on 01/01” which examines the situation of Afghan asylum seekers residing in collective reception centres in Belgium.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: UNHCR, reception centre, Fedasil, Afghanistan
Publication date: 14 August 2014
This EMN Inform summarizes the key findings of the corresponding EMN study which aimed to identify good practices and mechanisms to allow for flexible and efficient reception facilities whilst maintaining the quality of reception conditions.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: reception centre, reception condition, reception crisis
Publication date: 06 September 2013
The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the organisation of reception facilities for asylum seekers in the different Member States and to identify good practices and existing mechanisms for efficient and flexible reception facilities whilst ensuring quality.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: reception centre, reception crisis, reception law, reception policy
Publication date: 01 April 2011
Ad hoc query, requested by the Polish NCP concerning the different systems of reception centres in the EU - 12 responses
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Publication date: 28 March 2011
(01/06/2010) Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil) published its annual report 2009. 2009 was a difficult year, marked on the one hand by a considerable increase in asylum applications, on the other hand by a considerable growth of the reception capacity.
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Main theme: Reception
Publication Type: Report
Keywords: annual report, reception centre, reception crisis
Publication date:
In a judgment delivered in Case C-184/24 (Sidi Bouzid), the Court of Justice of the European Union has clarified the limits of sanctions that may be imposed on applicants for international protection who refuse to be transferred to another accommodation centre. The Court found that such a refusal cannot justify the withdrawal of all material reception conditions. While Member States may impose sanctions for serious breaches of reception rules, these must remain proportionate and respect the applicant’s dignity.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: reception centre, transfer, refusal, sanction, material reception condition, withdrawal
Publication date:
On 20 November 2025, EMN Belgium attended the launch of the annual report "Rechten op de drempel" by the Flemish Children’s Rights Commissioner, on the occasion of International Children’s Rights Day. The report highlights persistent challenges affecting foreign children and young people in reception centres, including disparities in living conditions, safety, hygiene, and access to basic needs.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception
Keywords: child, applicant for international protection, reception centre, minimum standards
Publication date:
On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the organisation Prisme has disclosed a set of recommendations highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking international protection in Belgium. These findings point to several shortcomings in the reception and asylum system and outline measures to ensure more inclusive procedures.
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Main theme: Vulnerable groups, Reception, International Protection
Keywords: LGBTQIA+, applicant for international protection, reception centre, special needs, Training, inclusion
Publication date:
Recent data requested by Green party MP Matti Vandemaele from the Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA), indicate a notable increase in the time taken to process applications for international protection. This trend has implications for applicants, who remain in prolonged uncertainty, and for the national reception system, which continues to face significant pressure.
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Main theme: International Protection
Keywords: application for international protection, processing time, backlog, reception centre
Publication date:
On 25 March 2025, the Belgian Contact Point to the European Migration Network (EMN) participated in a study morning dedicated to the presentation of a new tool: "The Reception Centre as Seen by Children." The new tool provides practical methods for capturing children's experiences, enabling professionals to better understand their needs and enhance the quality of care in these centres.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: reception centre, child, child-friendly environment
Publication date:
On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, Fedasil highlights the importance of volunteers who give their time to residents in reception centres and of sponsors who create links with these residents outside of the centres. If you have free time, join them and contact a reception centre in your neighbourhood!
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: reception centre, volunteer
Publication date:
Fedasil announced that the Belgian reception network has now a higher capacity than that recorded during the asylum crisis of 2015-2016. However, this capacity is insufficient to accommodate all applicants for international protection who are entitled to reception. At present, 2.650 single men are still on the waiting list for a reception place.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: reception capacity, reception centre, shortage
Publication date:
Fedasil announced that it can temporarily make use of centres in Bredene (Flanders) and in Theux (Wallonia) to accommodate applicants for international protection until March 2025. Both sites have already been used by Fedasil in the past, each time for a period of a few months.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: reception capacity, reception centre, shortage
Publication date:
From 1 July 2024, adult asylum seekers who stay in a reception centre and who have a working income will have to contribute to this reception. Those who do not wish to contribute may consider staying outside the reception centre. They are free to leave the centre and find their own accommodation.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: reception centre, financial contribution, material assistance
Publication date:
In order to structurally shorten the duration of reception in Belgium, an amendment was made to the Reception Act. Anyone who receives a final negative asylum decision must leave the reception place within a period of 30 days.
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Main theme: Reception
Keywords: reception centre, material assistance
Publication date:
Given the strong pressure on the Belgian reception system, Fedasil created more than 3.000 places in 2023. Despite these efforts, Fedasil ran out of places to accommodate all applicants for international protection last year.