The Reception Conditions Directive (2013 and 2024) allows Member States to reduce allowances for international protection applicants or ask for a financial contribution in certain circumstances. While this Directive does not apply to beneficiaries of international protection, challenges moving out mean that some countries allow beneficiaries to stay in centres for a period after receiving status. Some countries also request contributions in this case.
In Ireland, beneficiaries sometimes end up staying in centres for long periods of time, due to the policy not to evict beneficiaries into homelessness. Ireland introduced an income assessment for applicants in June 2024 and a new policy that the Daily Expense Allowance will no longer be paid where an individual has an income of more than €125 per week.
This Migration Memo gives an overview of the policy on this in other EMN Member Countries, summarising two EMN Ad Hoc Queries from 2024.
Key Takeaways
• Self-declared income is the main determining criteria used where financial contributions are requested.
• The rate of contribution is calculated in different ways (e.g. fixed amount, percentage of income or cost calculation of reception).
• Eligibility and length of time for beneficiaries to remain in reception centres after being granted status varies significantly.