Background:

This ad hoc query was launched in order to draft an inform which will collect information that can support policymakers in better supporting applicants and beneficiaries of international protection in accessing autonomous housing.

The ad hoc query examines the challenges faced by applicants and beneficiaries of international protection in finding autonomous housing and how EMN Member and Observer Countries organise the provision of support to these groups. This includes the existing national, regional/local policies and measures supporting the transition and access to autonomous housing, as well as some examples of EU-funded initiatives in this context.

Additionally, the ad hoc query aims to identify good practices to support access to autonomous housing.

Respondents:

A total of 23 countries responded to this ad hoc query (including BE).

Findings:

Some of the findings of the ad hoc query show that:

• Nearly all EMN Member Countries and Serbia reported challenges faced by beneficiaries and applicants for international protection in accessing autonomous housing. Discrimination in accessing housing in the private market, the general shortage of housing and the consequent increase in housing prices coupled with long waiting lists within the social rented sector are some of the main challenges identified. Language barriers and administrative obstacles also pose significant challenges in accessing autonomous housing.

• Specific procedures and/or measures to ease the transition from housing assistance provided under the reception system to autonomous housing are generally foreseen. These primarily include the provision of information/counselling (e.g., on the functioning of the housing market), placements in transitional housing, and extending the period that beneficiaries of international protection can stay in reception centres to allow for more time to find autonomous housing.
   
• EU funds – primarily the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) – were used by less than half of the reporting EMN Member Countries for the implementation of projects, initiatives, or reforms to support access to autonomous housing for these groups.
  

For further information, please read the compilation of answers attached above.

The inform on access to autonomous housing in the context of international protection, based on this query, will be available shortly.