Rising numbers of refugees and migrants have led to an increase of people sleeping on Luxembourg's streets, says homeless charity Stëmm vun der Strooss.

The Grand Duchy recently adapted its refugee policy due to capacity issues, and can no longer immediately accept asylum seekers. The issue has had a knock-on effect on the country's homeless shelters, according to Stëmm vun der Strooss, a charity which seeks to support the underprivileged. RTL reporter Marc Hoscheid investigates.

Spokesman Bob Ritz says: "We have clearly observed the impact of a more restrictive asylum policy. In fact, in general we can see the impact of the various crises affecting Europe." The charity has seen the number of people in need of support explode over recent months.

The charity distributes over 700 meals via three restaurants daily. Almost 400 of these meals are handed out in the capital alone. Last year, the numbers reached a maximum of 250-300 meals per day. The Hollerich restaurant in particular is struggling with the new demand. Charity workers on the street have been run off their feet handing out tokens to people in homeless shelters to enable them to get food, Ritz adds. The Stëmm vun der Strooss restaurant says that Ukrainians are now the third-largest nationality among their customers.

Luxembourg's winter campaign offering beds and shelter for the homeless, the "Wanteraktioun", launches on 15 November. The Stëmm vun der Strooss charity believes the campaign should either start earlier, last longer, or be available all year round, as the need for support is increasing so rapidly.

On Monday morning, Ritz told RTL it was a tragedy to stand by and watch as people resort to sleeping rough under bridges, with it apparently being too difficult to find fifty extra beds for asylum seekers. Due to the new refugee policy, male refugees who have already applied for international protection in another EU country have been placed on a waitlist in Luxembourg. Due to this, the first refugees have already pitched tents in Luxembourg due to the lack of capacity in refugee structures.

Ritz says we do not know what these refugees have been through, and that they have come to Luxembourg seeking protection, instead ending up on the streets. He urges the authorities to do more to support these people.

The Stëmm vun der Strooss hopes the new coalition government will intervene on the topic, arguing that the charity plays a vital role in Luxembourg and deserves to have their voice heard. They pointed out that other charities, such as Caritas and the Red Cross, have been called to speak with the current delegations negotiating the new government agreement.