Section 5. Reception of applicants for international protection

The reception of applicants for international protection encompasses rules on material reception conditions (such as housing, food and clothing which are provided in kind, through financial allowances or in vouchers – or a combination of these three – and a daily expense allowance), the freedom of movement within the territory, access to healthcare, education for children and access to the labour market. The directive applies to all applicants throughout the whole asylum procedure from the moment an application is made and for all types of procedures as long as they are allowed to remain on the territory. The directive also outlines the circumstances when Member States may reduce or exceptionally withdraw material reception conditions.

In addition, the directive lists the criteria, guarantees and conditions for the detention of applicants. Detention can occur at different stages of the procedure (at the start of the procedure, pending the examination of a claim, pending the implementation of a Dublin transfer and pending the implementation of a return) and may be governed by different legislative pieces (for example the Dublin III Regulation and Return Directive).

The new RCD 2024 aims to enhance convergence in adequate standards of reception that create comparable living conditions for applicants in all Member States. It provides more flexibility in the management of reception systems and aims for more efficiency in the prevention of secondary movements. It also seeks to strengthen safeguards for applicants related to detention; provide earlier access to the labour market, language courses and civic education training; support physical and mental healthcare; and provide more protection for families, children and vulnerable applicants.