Article 2(3) and (4) RVA is the legal basis for the provision of information to asylum seekers. Article 2(3) states that the COA provides information concerning benefits and obligations with regard to reception, legal aid, and reception conditions within 10 days after the asylum application has been lodged. Article 2(4) states that “The COA provides information in writing in the form of brochures in a language that is understandable for the asylum seeker.” In practice, asylum seekers are informed of the house rules of the reception centre and provide their agreement by signature
The exact content and the modalities of the information provision vary from one reception centre to another. For instance, in some centres, information meetings on health care and security in the reception centre are organised in groups, whereas the rights and duties of the asylum seeker in the centre are usually discussed individually.[1]
[1] COA, Infosheets, available in Dutch at: http://bit.ly/2lfnQXG.