Author
The law provides for access to reception centres for family members, legal advisers, UNHCR and NGOs. Until the end of March 2026, NGOs visited all reception centres weekly. There were no formal obstacles, as long as the visit was conducted within the framework of an official EU-AMIF scheme. However, as of April 2026, access of NGOs to reception and accommodation centres have been restricted (see section on Legal aid).
Furthermore, no NGO (including UNHCR implementing partners) has access to the actual airport transit zone where the persons are who are yet to formally lodge their application. NGOs providing free legal aid at the airport reception centre only have entry to this particular centre and require accompaniment to enter this facility.
Other people can only enter reception centres after the RFA has granted them a permission. This, however, also serves to protect the persons in the facility.