Is it possible to improve the care system for applicants for international protection and temporary protection holders with serious health conditions when they are accommodated in the reception facilities of the Slovak Republic? This question was at the centre of the December meeting of the European Migration Network (EMN) Slovakia in Bratislava, attended by representatives of public authorities, local governments, NGOs, research bodies and international organizations.
Reception facilities in the Slovak Republic are not social care facilities equipped with specialized staff and adapted infrastructure for applicants for international protection who require specific medical or social support and are unable to live independently. At the same time, Slovakia has limited experience with placing such individuals in social care facilities. The same applies to some temporary protection holders (displaced persons) with a different legal status than international protection, currently accommodated in reception facilities. Applicants for international protection do not automatically have public health insurance like Slovak citizens, nor do they have entitlement to placement in social care facilities.
Key points from the meeting
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as EMN Slovakia coordinator, presented policies and approaches to care in reception systems across the EU.
- The Centre for Research of Ethnicity and Culture (CVEK) presented an analysis of social service provision for foreigners in Slovakia.
- Discussions focused on care options in reception facilities and immigration detention centres, cooperation with institutions, and funding mechanisms.
- The Czech Republic shared best practices through its Refugee Facilities Administration under the Ministry of the Interior.
- During an expert workshop, participants proposed concrete steps for system improvements.
The workshop addressed strategic issues related to integration, social protection, and cooperation between the state, municipalities and NGOs for this vulnerable group of applicants for international protection. Key themes included:
- Legislative and systemic changes enabling alternative forms of care and better linkage between asylum and social policies.
- Motivation and support for municipalities and service providers to become involved in care for persons whose needs exceed the capacity of reception facilities.
- Identification of the main resource gaps - financial, staffing and capacity - among specialized care providers.
- Readiness of regional authorities to take over responsibilities when vulnerable individuals cannot stay in reception facilities.
- An optimal model of cooperation between the state and the non-profit sector, including coordination, funding and sharing of responsibilities.
- Funding opportunities (state subsidies, EU funds, other mechanisms) and the setup of a sustainable financing system.
- Effective communication with vulnerable individuals, including the use and funding of interpretation services.
The thematic EMN Slovakia meeting Care for vulnerable applicants for international protection and temporary protection holders accommodated in reception facilities in the Slovak Republic – current situation and future challenges was organized in Bratislava on 3 December 2025 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as EMN Slovakia coordinator, together with the Migration Office of the Ministry of Interior as EMN Slovakia member.
