Author
Asylum Seekers have the right to the following material reception conditions: accommodation in the Asylum Home or its branch facilities; food; clothing, footwear and hygiene supplies; emergency medical care (and full medical care in case of children); access to education; access to the labour market; humanitarian aid and an allowance of 18€ per month.[1] Applicants who lodged a request for a subsequent application do not have the right to a monthly allowance.[2]
If the applicant’s identity is not disputed and they have already undergone a personal interview, they may request to reside in private accommodation instead of the Asylum Home or one of the branch facilities, in which case they are not entitled to material reception conditions. The living conditions in private accommodation have to be suitable.[3]Therefore, before granting the request to reside in private accommodation, the UOIM will conduct an inspection of the living conditions. In case of exceptional personal circumstances, the UOIM can accommodate an applicant in another suitable institution (e.g. home for elderly) even if their identity is not confirmed and a personal interview has not yet been conducted, if they cannot provide a suitable accommodation in the Asylum Home or its branch.[4] The question of whether there are exceptional circumstances is considered by a special committee.[5] If the applicant does not have his or her own means of subsistence, or is unable to cover all or a proportional share of the accommodation cost of another suitable institution, the accommodation costs are covered by the UOIM.[6] In 2023 no applicant was accommodated in another suitable institution.[7]
In line with the amendments to the IPA, asylum seekers can no longer apply for financial assistance for the purpose of residing at a private address. Applicants whose requests were granted before the amendments came to force continue to receive financial assistance.
[1] Article 78(1) and 79 IPA.
[2] Article 85(1) IPA.
[3] Article 83(1) and (3) IPA.
[4] Article 83(2) IPA.
[5] Article 83(3) IPA.
[6] Article 83(4) IPA.
[7] Official statistics provided by UOIM, March 2024.