The first weeks in a new country can be potentially overwhelming, and refugees can experience a cultural shock. This period is crucial to lay down solid bases for the refugees’ future.
Reception processes within resettlement programmes vary among Member States. In most cases, EU+ countries receive refugees at the airport, often with interpretation support, and organise transportation to initial reception accommodation, after which refugees usually transition to more permanent housing at a later stage. The length and organisation of these phases differ across countries.
This initial phase is also a good moment to provide refugees with a more practical orientation.
The EUAA is offering a training module on the post-arrival phase in the context of resettlement and humanitarian admission. More information can be found here.
The information provision upon arrival is to be intended as an ongoing process, from the first phase of reception until the integration period. During the initial stages, refugees may need practical guidance on everyday matters such as accessing the labour market, opening a bank account, understanding the education and healthcare systems, using public transport, and shopping.
Information provision continues beyond the reception phase through measures such as language courses and the involvement of NGOs, volunteers, and diaspora communities that can further support the integration process.
It is important to ensure consistency in the information provided to refugees and to maintain continuity between pre-departure orientation and post-arrival support.
Once the resettlement country has identified the accommodation where refugees will be staying upon arrival, information on housing arrangements and available services can be shared in advance.
To avoid misunderstandings between refugees and professionals involved in the national reception system, the use of the Operational Tool for Resettlement: Template for an Accommodation Information Note can be helpful. This document contains a checklist of information related to accommodation conditions and services that will be provided to refugees.