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According to Article 5 IPA, asylum seekers need to be informed about their rights and obligations in the procedure in the language they understand. This includes information about the material reception conditions, rights and obligations in reception accommodation, legal status and access to the labour market. This information is provided to them by Slovenska filantropija if they are accommodated in the Asylum Home. It can also be provided by PIC legal representatives or by the social workers and other officials. Written information on reception conditions is currently outdated and not available in all required languages.
In 2021, information meetings were held with all accommodated asylum seekers during which they were provided with information regarding COVID-19, the importance of preventive measures and proper hygiene, and the procedure in case of symptoms. Interpreters were present during these meetings. All national instructions and decrees were regularly interpreted in different languages and posted over all reception centres. Picture posters were also made. During their accommodation, individuals were also informed orally of the preventive measures. Asylum seekers were provided with masks and available hand sanitizers. As part of the preventive measures, food distribution was reorganized as well as group activities. In addition, free COVID-19 testing was conducted for asylum seekers in the Asylum Home.[1]
[1] Information provided by UOIM, March 2022.