Background:

As a result of a significant increase in international protection applications in 2022-2023, and significant supply issues in the Irish housing market, individuals who have received an international protection status or a humanitarian permission to remain may experience challenges trying to move into autonomous housing. As a result, a significant number remain in reception accommodation. 

The International Protection Accommodation Service in Ireland is seeking to better understand other EMN countries’ approaches to the accommodation of individuals who have been granted status (international protection or humanitarian permission) and to requirements for financial contributions for those with these statuses. 

Respondents:

23 EMN Member and Observer 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:

• Except for one, all countries continue to provide accommodation to individuals who have received an international protection status or humanitarian permission to remain ranging from two weeks to six months and extendable in some countries for vulnerable people or those still without housing solutions.
   
• In CZ and SI, accommodation for up to 18 months is offered in so-called ‘integration housing’. In IE there is no specific time limit and those with status can be moved from reception centres to emergency accommodation after at least 12 months for single people and 24 months for families.
   
• Only in SK a symbolic fee of € 1 is required from every individual who has received an international protection status or humanitarian permission to remain in the accommodation centre. The other countries that require financial contributions from international protection applicants with financial means (see Ad Hoc Query on financial contribution of applicants for international protection), do not add a fee, but continue to request the financial contributions during the period that status holders are allowed to stay in reception facilities.

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