Background:

The Slovak Republic is currently reassessing the reception conditions provided to applicants for international protection in the country. Within this framework, Slovakia aims to improve how it addresses the specific needs of applicants for international protection (AIP) and beneficiaries of temporary protection (BTP), who are also accommodated in the same reception facilities, and who have particular physical and/or mental health conditions.

This ad hoc query focuses on AIP and BTP requiring specialised medical and/or social care who are unable to live independently.

Responses to this query will serve as a basis for further discussions in the Slovak Republic to strengthen and improve its reception system.

Respondents:

24 EMN Member Countries (including BE) provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

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

• Of the 24 responding countries, most do not operate special accommodation facilities for applicants for international protection with specific mental and/or physical care needs. Such applicants are generally accommodated in regular reception centres, unless their needs are too complex or severe, in which case they are placed in specialised facilities. A few countries have reception facilities equipped with medical rooms adapted for individuals requiring specialised care, for example, LU, where one reception facility is located in close proximity to a hospital. Other countries, such as IE, give preference to home care, delivery of specialised care within regular reception centres.

• BE applies a cascade system for accommodation. Applicants are first accommodated within the regular reception network (general reception places operated by Fedasil or its partners). If the regular reception network cannot meet the applicants’ medical needs, they are accommodated in specific medical centres. These centres are usually managed by dedicated partner organisations but remain part of Fedasil’s reception network. If the medical needs cannot be met in a specific medical centre, the applicant is transferred to an external specialised care facility. In such case, Fedasil or its reception partner remains responsible for administrative and social follow-up and for ensuring the provision of material assistance.  
• Countries employ a mix of approaches to in-house medical care in reception centres. Some countries (including BE) directly employ healthcare personnel, while in others, external medical professionals provide services within the reception centres. In some cases, the reception centre facilitates access to external healthcare services. In NL, there is a health centre in or near every reception centre where applicants can go for medical care.
• In most countries, medical costs for applicants are covered by the national health system. In BE, Fedasil or its reception partner covers healthcare costs for applicants.
• In the vast majority of responding countries, BTPs are not accommodated in reception centres for AIPs. Their medical care typically falls under the host country's mainstream health system. However, in LT, for instance, vulnerable beneficiaries of temporary protection may be accommodated alongside AIPs, provided reception capacity allows. In such cases, they have access to the services of social workers, psychologists, and medical staff.

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