Background: 

The ad hoc query was requested by EMN Ireland, which changed its support measures for new BoTP arrivals in March 2024, limiting state accommodation to 90 days, although vulnerable BoTPs were exempted. The changes in Ireland resulted in a disparity in accommodation entitlements between non-vulnerable BoTPs based on their date of arrival. The Irish Government sought to understand the approaches of other EMN Member Countries as it plans for the future of its accommodation offerings. 

Respondents: 

23 EMN Member Countries (including BE) and one Observer Country provided a public answer to this ad hoc query. 

Findings: 

A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that: 

• Several EMN Member Countries (including BG, CZ, EE, ES, IE and LT) introduced legislative or policy changes that were applied non-retroactively, primarily concerning the duration limits for free state-provided accommodation. 

• The majority of responding EMN Member Countries reported having different accommodation or social welfare support measures for vulnerable BoTPs compared to non-vulnerable BoTPs. These measures mostly concern accommodation or financial support for accommodation. For example, normal time limits for state-provided accommodation are not applied to vulnerable BoTPs (IE) or are extended (ES, LV). In a few countries, time limits for receiving financial support for accommodation are not applied to vulnerable BoTPs (BG, SK). In several countries, vulnerable BoTPs benefit from special reception conditions and accommodation (ES, IT, EL). Other measures are financial in nature. In AT, the maximum cost provided for vulnerable BoTPs (for accommodation, meals, and specialised care) is higher than that for general basic care recipients. In PL, assistance may be provided to vulnerable BoTPs by offering free accommodation and meals, while non-vulnerable individuals may reside in collective accommodation centres only if they cover the costs themselves.

• EMN Member Countries such as BE, CY, CZ, FR, and LU indicated no different accommodation or social welfare support measures specifically targeting vulnerable BoTPs compared to non-vulnerable groups under the temporary protection framework. 

• Most EMN Member Countries offering differentiated support have formal definitions of vulnerability. Common vulnerable categories include minors, unaccompanied minors, elderly persons, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, single parents, and victims of violence or trauma. 

• The assessment of vulnerability is typically carried out by reception authorities, social welfare agencies, or specialised professionals. This assessment is defined either in law (e.g., in HR, IT, LT, ES) or in operational guidance (e.g., in IE, DE). In IT, a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare workers, social workers, and cultural mediators is promoted. Applicants are taken in charge by medical personnel, operators, and psychologists (only at hotspots) who activate evaluation procedures. Within specialised reception centres, vulnerable BoTPs are supported by psychologists specialised in ethno-psychology (who collaborate closely with psychiatrists and educators), as well as healthcare social workers and nurses. 

For further details, please read the compilation of answers provided above.