The applicant’s stay in the reception system is in principle temporary. The ‘end of reception’ phase focuses on leaving the reception facility or system. This can include transition to the integration pathway for those who are granted a form of international protection, transition to immigration procedures such as return for those who receive a final negative decision, or transfer to another Member State in case of a Dublin procedure.

One of the objectives of social work and information provision in accommodation facilities is to prepare the applicant to exit reception as an independent and self-determined person, while ensuring respect for their dignity and human rights. Such measures, including effective information provision, oriented towards the applicant’s integration or towards voluntary return should be implemented throughout the reception pathway and its different phases.   

The EUAA Guidance on Reception – Operational standards and indicators, 2024, includes standards and indicators that provide guidance to the Member States that implement or intend to implement measures oriented towards the applicant’s integration or voluntary return (Standards 27 and 28). These standards underline that information on available pre-integration measures and on available voluntary return options in line with the national legislation should be provided on a regular basis. 

Once a final decision on the asylum application is issued, the information provided needs to be tailored to the specific new legal status of the person and focus on the next steps, their rights and obligations and the relevant regulations. Provision of such information often requires coordination with other authorities and actors.

Visit the ‘Integration’ page for information provision after receiving a positive decision on the asylum application. 

Visit the ‘Return’ page for information on return throughout the reception pathway and at the end of reception.

Visit the ‘Transfer to the responsible Member State’ page for information to provide when preparing a transfer under the Dublin procedure. The physical transfer of an applicant to another Member State which is responsible for examining the application following a Dublin procedure can be considered the end of reception.