Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to a comprehensive range of rights from the moment their status is granted. These rights are the foundation of their integration into the host society and include, among others:
- residence permits
- the possibility of family reunification
- freedom of movement and the possibility to receive travel documents
- access to employment and vocational training
- enrolment in the public educational system and access to educational activities for children
- access to procedures for the recognition and validation of qualification, skills and prior learning outcomes
- access to social benefits (e.g. social assistance, unemployment benefits)
- access to social assistance and healthcare.
Information provision is a crucial component in the integration of beneficiaries of international protection, as timely, accurate and accessible information ensures they are aware of their rights, obligations, available services and integration opportunities, therefore supporting their full participation in the host society.
The Qualification Regulation (QR) requires that Member States provide beneficiaries of international protection with access to information, in a language they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand, as soon as possible after refugee status or subsidiary protection status has been granted (Article 22 and Annex I QR). This information (detailed in Annex I QR) must focus on the:
- rights and obligations relating to residence and stay
- rights and obligations related to integration
- specific rights of unaccompanied children
- freedom of movement and right to residence in the EU, and the consequences of failing to comply with their obligations regarding movement within the Union.
As part of the pre-integration phase, information relevant to integration is provided particularly at key moments such as:
- when applicants receive the decision on being granted international protection
- before they are assigned to a different type of accommodation for beneficiaries of international protection
Information provision requires coordinated efforts among reception authorities, specialised service providers, non-governmental and international organisations. The QR emphasises effective access to rights and integration measures for beneficiaries of international protection to ensure accurate, accessible, and consistent communication.
For detailed information provision messages, practical tips and background information on rights and obligations of beneficiaries of international protection, visit the pages below which follow the information topics in Annex I of the Qualification Regulation.
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. Follow the practical tips below to ensure messages are delivered efficiently and effectively, considering beneficiaries’ needs, vulnerabilities and levels of understanding.
- Use clear and accessible language to facilitate comprehension.
- Tailor content to the age and level of understanding of beneficiaries.
- Regularly update all information, especially regarding changes in procedures, schedules, locations and contact details.
- Engage interpreters and, where possible, cultural mediators to provide rights-related and procedural information, basic support and guidance
- Respect cultural differences and practices. Use culturally relevant examples and references.
- Create a supportive communication environment where beneficiaries feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns, in a setting that ensures confidentiality and respects privacy.
- Provide various types of information sessions to accommodate the needs of beneficiaries, encouraging them to ask questions and clarify relevant aspects. Examples include group information sessions using slide presentations with visual aids and key messages as support or individual information sessions to address specific needs or requirements and ensure referrals to specialised services.
- Collaborate with the relevant authorities and service providers, non-governmental organisations and community centres to develop and distribute user-friendly information materials. This includes brochures and leaflets outlining their rights and benefits and how to access them. Design materials to be simple and engaging, with content and layout adapted to the specific needs and age of beneficiaries including children.
- 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.
- Consider using the following communication channels, when appropriate, to provide information on rights, obligations, available services and procedures for the new beneficiaries of international protection:
- printed materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, posters) available in accessible areas of the reception facility (e.g. info boards, corridors, meeting rooms)
- digital platforms (e.g. websites and dedicated webpages, mobile apps social media), ideally mobile-friendly, allowing beneficiaries to use automated translation to various languages
- email and SMS (e.g. in the form of newsletters and alerts about local integration opportunities (e.g. jobs, language and professional courses, activities)
- multimedia resources (e.g. animations or animated slideshows) placed in reception and service provider waiting areas, incorporated into information sessions and available on social media
- other channels such as helplines and the support provided by community leaders.
- Instruct beneficiaries to seek additional information at the helpdesk of the authority responsible with integration, with non-governmental organisations or other stakeholders providing support services.