Author
Generally, beneficiaries of international protection are expected to secure housing independently, most commonly through private rental accommodation or other forms of commercial housing (e.g. hostels or rented apartments).
After asylum seekers are granted asylum or subsidiary protection, they may, upon written request, remain accommodated in the reception centres in Rohovce or Opatovská Nová Ves for a necessary period.[1] This is intended to bridge the period until they secure their own accommodation. The law does not specify a maximum length of stay in the centre. Based on our practical experience, the period during which beneficiaries of international protection may remain in reception centres is determined on an individual basis, depending on the person’s life situation and their ability to move to alternative accommodation. During this time, beneficiaries of international protection are required to cover the costs related to their stay on a proportional basis.
Beneficiaries of international protection may also request accommodation in the Integration Centre in the city of Zvolen.[2] The facility comprises twelve apartments with a total capacity of 25 persons, with the possibility of expansion up to 35 persons.[3] Similarly, beneficiaries are required to contribute proportionally to the costs related to accommodation in the Integration Centre. Beneficiaries may reside in the centre for up to six months, with a possible extension of an additional six months. In practice, beneficiaries of international protection are rarely accommodated in the Integration Centre, mainly because it is located in a relatively small city in a region with one of the highest unemployment rates in Slovakia.
Support in finding sustainable accommodation is also provided by the SHC within the project Rifugio II funded through AMIF. This support includes communication with landlords as well as the review of rental agreements. SHC maintains its own regularly updated database of rental housing and accommodation. In addition, SHC owns apartments in Bratislava and Košice that can be rented for a fixed term at below-market rent. Given the current capacity, these apartments are offered primarily to vulnerable persons.[4]
In practice, one of the main difficulties beneficiaries face is the high cost of private rental housing, particularly for those wishing to live independently. Access to accommodation may also be affected by the attitudes of some private landlords, who may be reluctant to rent apartments to third-country nationals. In addition, social or municipal housing is available only to a limited extent. There is no housing allowance designed specifically for beneficiaries of international protection. However, beneficiaries may apply for a housing allowance within the general system of assistance in material need, provided they meet the statutory eligibility criteria (see Content of International Protection: Social Welfare).
[1] Article 24(3) and Article 27a(3) of the Asylum Act.
[2] Article 28(6) of the Asylum Act.
[3] MO, The Migration Office of The Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic: 25 years (1993-2018) 2018, available here.
[4] More details about the SHC´s AMIF project Rifugio II can be found (in Slovak) here.