Since 1 September the "Maison de retour" in Kirchberg accommodates refugees with rejected applications or in transfer.
Currently housing 40 men, the facility has a capacity for 170-180 individuals and will begin accepting women and children from 1 October. On Thursday morning the topic of refugee expulsion was discussed in an RTL Radio interview.
Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden explained in an RTL interview that the purpose of this new infrastructure is to regroup individuals who cannot remain in Luxembourg and facilitate their return to their home country or the EU country where they first sought asylum. Those at the facility are provided with financial assistance for their return, ranging from 300 to 3,000 euros, depending on the destination. The goal is to provide these people with better prospects.
Gloden emphasised that these individuals should be aware they cannot stay in the country, and while Luxembourg maintains a humane asylum policy, it is crucial not to overburden society. The "Maison de retour" is an open structure, unlike the "Holding facility," which is intended for those who refuse to return.
This year, Luxembourg has already facilitated the return of 132 individuals, and asylum applications have decreased by 25%. Regarding returns to conflict zones like Afghanistan or Syria, Gloden noted that unilateral actions by individual countries are ineffective and a European solution is necessary. Currently, sending women back to Afghanistan, is not considered an option.
Gloden stated that external borders need to be better controlled, a measure supported by the European asylum and immigration pact. However, he is firmly against the reintroduction of internal border controls within the EU, such as the measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, better monitoring of external borders is essential to maintain the openness of internal borders.
The Interior Minister informed the local police that a report should be given by the end of the year. There is constant communication with the mayors of the City and Esch, Lydie Polfer and Christian Weis.
The initial feedback from the public has been positive, according to Léon Gloden. That is at least what he hears from people when they approach him on the street. Furthermore, the Minister remains committed to ensuring that the police maintain a visible presence and focus more on prevention rather than repression.
