The Luxembourg Refugee Collective (LFR) has published an in-depth analysis of the new government's policies towards refugees.
One of the main criticisms highlighted by the LFR is the fact that the coalition agreement plans to keep refugees on Social Inclusion Income (REVIS) if they continue to live in state-funded accommodation after receiving international protection status. The Collective wrote that this would limit refugees' autonomy, but also went on to criticise the "problematic" nature of the current solution, in which refugees are made to sign a unilateral agreement to pay any indemnities, leaving them without legal protection.
This agreement is signed by people residing in accommodation belonging to the National Reception Office (ONA) with residence permits, but is not considered a legal contract for a lease. The Collective said the ONA should instead be signing full lease contracts in order to provide sufficient legal protection to vulnerable people. In addition, the LFR said more effective measures were required to facilitate access to private housing for refugees, to make it easier for people to leave temporary accommodation in ONA structures.
The Collective also expressed concern at the increasing number of people sleeping rough in recent months after being placed on the streets by the authorities.
The analysis did highlight some positive measures decided by the CSV-DP coalition, such as financial support for households taking in refugees. It also praised the government's intention to reduce the international protection procedure for new applicants, but pointed out that a faster and more efficient procedure can only take place if fundamental rights and special procedural guarantees offered to applicants are respected.
The Collective wrote that the coalition agreement lacked measures for the protection of minors and for recognising vulnerabilities due to trauma experienced by applicants. The LFR said it categorically opposed the detention of children and unaccompanied minors, and welcomes the idea of a "return home", which is yet to be implemented in Luxembourg despite featuring in previous government agreements. It pointed to examples from the Netherlands for how this system could be implemented for applicants who have their request denied, allowing them a "safe and dignified" return where possible.
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