Facing an unprecedented surge in demand, Luxembourg's 'Winter Action' shelter in Findel housed 271 individuals on Monday night, surpassing last year's peak as the nation grapples with a growing number of asylum seekers.
Last year's peak occupancy was 219 individuals, which speaks to the significant year-on-year increase in demand.
In conversation with RTL, Family Affairs Minister Max Hahn explained that a growing number of people who filed for international protection are making use of the shelter.
Following a capacity-based policy shift, initiated by former Immigration Minister Jean Asselborn in October last year, adult men who already filed for asylum in another EU country no longer automatically get a bed in Luxembourg.
Hahn commented: "In a first phase, we primarily determine whether people are vulnerable or sick, in which case they get a bed straightaway. But, if that is not the case, then they are informed about the existing social support here in Luxembourg, who can help them, and most of all where they can spend the night."
To meet the growing demand, an additional 50 beds were recently installed at the Winter Action shelter, raising capacity to 300. This should be sufficient for this year, argued Hahn, who also voiced optimism that new solutions can be found.
At present, there are no plans to set up additional refugee facilities in Luxembourg.
