Responsibilities and access to rights for beneficiaries of temporary protection (EMN-OECD Inform)
This Inform provides an overview of national policy and legal changes from July 2023 to early 2025 concerning the responsibilities and access to rights of beneficiaries of temporary protection (BoTP) under Directive 2001/55/EC. It maps these changes, provides evidence for decisions on possible financial contributions from BoTP, and offers insights into national strategies after the expiration of temporary protection.
Temporary protection was first activated in March 2022 and has since been prolonged, with the latest extension approved by the European Council on 13 June 2025, until 4 March 2027. This extension ensures continued legal residence and access to employment, housing, education, healthcare, social assistance, and suitable accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection (BoTP). Over this period, EMN Member and Observer Countries, as well as selected non-EU OECD countries, have adapted the support they provide, while national perspectives and debates on the protection regime have evolved. Discussions continue on post-temporary protection strategies, including potential financial contributions from BoTP, and this Inform provides an up-to-date overview of these developments.
According to the Inform, the main findings include:
- Since 2022, EMN Member and Observer Countries and selected non-EU OECD countries have progressively adapted national policies and measures to provide access to employment, healthcare, education, social assistance, and to (or the means to access) suitable accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection (BoTP).
- Financial benefits and allowances provided to BoTP vary widely, with some countries offering benefits equivalent to those for nationals, and others applying reduced or conditional payments, increasingly linked to active participation in work, education, or integration activities.
- Certain services, including state accommodation, healthcare, and social assistance, have been scaled back in some countries to balance public finances, while new initiatives focus on labour market integration and social inclusion for partially or fully self-reliant BoTP.
- Several countries have introduced or plan to introduce contributions from BoTP towards services such as accommodation and meals, typically only for those with sufficient income, with protective thresholds and transitional measures safeguarding vulnerable and low-income beneficiaries.
- A minority of countries are facilitating transitions from temporary protection to alternative residence permits, particularly for employed or economically integrated BoTP, through simplified procedures or new residence pathways.
For further details, please read the Inform attached above.