Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to a range of rights, including obtaining residence permits for themselves and their families, claiming travel documents, and enjoying freedom of movement. They have access to employment and training opportunities as well as to educational activities for children. Information on recognising and validating qualifications and skills, as well as on accessing the schemes for assessing prior learning is essential. They also have the right to equal treatment with nationals regarding social security benefits, social assistance and healthcare.
Information provision is a crucial component in the integration of new beneficiaries of international protection. It ensures they are aware of their rights, obligations, and available services, supporting their inclusion into the host society.
The qualification directive (2011/95/EU), (QD), clearly states that ‘Member States shall provide beneficiaries of international protection, as soon as possible after refugee status or subsidiary protection status has been granted, with access to information, in a language that they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand, on the rights and obligations relating to that status’ (Article 22 QD).
As part of the pre-integration phase, information relevant to integration is provided at various intervals throughout the applicant’s stay in reception facilities. Priority is given to critical moments such as receiving a decision on international protection, notification of the granting of residence permits, or assignment to different temporary accommodation. This information is typically divided into multiple sessions to address the evolving needs of applicants and ensure comprehensive understanding. Most countries employ a combination of strategies during both pre-integration and integration phases to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination, enabling beneficiaries of international protection to navigate the integration process effectively.
Providing such multi-faceted information, tailored to address the diverse needs of the beneficiaries, requires coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including the reception authorities, other local and national authorities, NGOs, and other specialised service providers. The information provision messages contained in this section will need to be provided through coordinated efforts between multiple stakeholders.
Visit the below pages for the information provision messages, practical tips and background information on rights and obligations of beneficiaries of international protection:
Information on rights and obligations related to residence and stay
- Residence permit for beneficiaries of international protection
- Residence permit for family members of beneficiaries of international protection
- Freedom of movement within the Member State and possible restrictions
- Travel document
- Freedom of movement within the European Union
Information on rights related to integration
- Access to employment
- Access to education for children
- Access to the general education system for adults
- Procedures for recognition of qualifications and validation of skills
- Appropriate schemes for assessing, validating and recognising prior learning outcomes and experience
- Equal treatment with nationals as regards social security
- Social assistance
- Health care under the same eligibility conditions as nationals
- Access to accommodation under conditions equivalent to those applicable to other third-country nationals legally residing in the Member State
- Integration measures considered appropriate, subject to compulsory participation where applicable
- Specific rights for unaccompanied children
General practical tips related to integration
Check the general principles on communication and distributing information on the Methodology page. Additionally, to convey messages efficiently and effectively to beneficiaries, considering their various needs, vulnerabilities. and levels of understanding. Follow the practical tips below.
- Deliver information in simple, understandable language and in a schematic manner to facilitate comprehension. Tailor the information to the age and understanding level of beneficiaries.
- Regularly update all information, especially regarding changes in procedures, schedules, locations, and contact details.
- Involve cultural mediators to provide rights and procedural information, as well as basic support and guidance.
- Respect cultural differences and practices. Use culturally relevant examples and references to make the information more relatable for beneficiaries.
- Create a supportive environment where beneficiaries feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. Ensure confidentiality and respect their privacy.
- Provide information through group sessions, allowing beneficiaries to ask questions and clarify aspects related to the targeted topics. Use slides with visual aids to enhance clarity and engagement.
- Offer individual information sessions to address specific needs or requirements, ensuring referrals to specialised services as needed.
- Collaborate with governmental agencies, NGOs and community centres to develop and distribute user-friendly information packages, including brochures and leaflets outlining the rights and benefits, and how to access them. Design materials to be simple and attractive for beneficiaries of all ages, including child-friendly versions.
- Consider the diverse needs of the audience when choosing communication methods and channels. Ensure materials are accessible to people with disabilities (e.g. large print, Braille, sign language) and to those with limited literacy skills.
- Ensure interpretation and translation services to provide messages in languages that all beneficiaries can reasonably understand.
- Consider using the following communication channels, whenever appropriate.
- Printed materials: use brochures, flyers and posters with relevant information on available services, procedures and contact details. Place them in accessible areas of the reception facility (e.g. info boards, corridors, meeting rooms).
- Digital platforms: use websites, dedicated webpages, mobile apps, and social media. If these portals are not multilingual, guide beneficiaries on using automated translation services. Make sure that all digital platforms are mobile-friendly, as applicants usually access them on their phones.
- Email and SMS: send newsletters and alerts about local opportunities, events, restrictions etc.
- Multimedia resources: use animations or animated slideshows to present basic information regarding rights, options and procedures. Place them in reception and service provider waiting areas and incorporate them into information sessions. Make multimedia products suitable for social media dissemination to enlarge the number of recipients.
- Hotlines and helplines: provide hotlines and helplines for sensitive topics such as handling work conflicts, exploitation and abuse.
- Community leaders and networks: engage community leaders and networks in conveying information to beneficiaries, where appropriate.
Instruct beneficiaries to seek additional information at the help desk of the responsible authority / service provider, with NGOs or other stakeholders providing support services.