The 'arrival in reception' is the first phase of the reception process. Upon arrival in a reception facility, the primary procedural and reception formalities are carried out. These include the registration, medical screening, reception intake, age assessment, or vulnerability assessment.

Depending on the national and local context, applicants for international protection might arrive at the reception centre (or arrival centre) spontaneously or they may be transferred by the relevant authorities (e.g. border guards, police, etc.). Some of the procedures might have been already initiated or not before the arrival in the reception facility.

Provision of information is an important ongoing activity during the phase of arrival in reception. Applicants for international protection often have limited knowledge about the procedures when they first arrive. At the same time, they are expected to absorb large amounts of new information that includes legal information on administrative procedures. The task of reception staff is not only to give the information but also to ensure that the applicant understands what this information means in practice. The arrival phase is also the first contact between the applicant and the new environment in which they will be living pending the examination of the asylum claim. This first contact is crucial not only for the exchange of information but also for the development of trust between the reception officer and the resident.

Check the sub-pages in the menu to see background information, information provision messages and information materials for the main activities carried out during the phase of arrival in reception.