The National Reception Office (ONA) said its refugee centres were rapidly approaching full capacity, prompting Asselborn to launch an appeal to municipal councils to help provide housing for the overflow.
There are just 70 beds left available in the current accommodation structures. This year alone, 1,918 refugees have sought asylum in Luxembourg, the majority of whom are Syrians (628), Eritreans (294) and Afghans (95), followed by Sudanese (84), Algerians (64) and Venezuelans (63). Asselborn said in some cases, the country had accommodated over 40 people a day.
In a press conference on Friday, Asselborn explained that the issue lies in the fact that 49% of applicants fall under the Dublin convention, meaning they submitted their request for international protection in another EU member state. Luxembourg is therefore not responsible for these applications.
In addition, 344 people presented themselves to the ONA without applying for asylum, which has now been made a condition for admittance. Of the refugees who came to Luxembourg, this year, for example, 124 Eritreans, 69 Syrians, 73 Sudanese, 43 Guineans and 26 Algerians had already applied for international protection in another country.
The current foreign minister said difficult decisions would have to be made in the short term. For example, male refugees travelling alone would be placed on a waiting list with the ONA if they had already submitted a request for asylum in another country. Luxembourg would prioritise taking in vulnerable people and families with children, Asselborn continued.
Belgium has introduced a similar system, with around 2,500 men on a waiting list, which Asselborn believes has contributed to the increase in refugees coming to Luxembourg. He said it was important for the Grand Duchy to send a message of solidarity, whilst highlighting that the country cannot accommodate everyone.
The current situation has come about due to the lack of coherent European legislation in the European Union, Asselborn continued. “The Dublin convention has been de facto abolished, which is contributing to the chaos we see here,” the minister said, explaining that the European Commission only carries out checks if countries are refusing to adhere to the Dublin system.
Luxembourg has 7,703 beds for refugees, spread across 68 buildings in 33 municipalities. The centres are stretched to their limits, Asselborn warned. 2,421 people living in the structures have submitted asylum applications, while around 1,300 Ukrainian refugees have temporary protection in Luxembourg. However, over 2,100 refugees living in the accommodation have protection status, but have not yet managed to leave the centres.
Asselborn appealed to municipal councils to show solidarity on a national level and help take in families. Currently, just 30 municipalities offer accommodation for refugees. The emergency centre in Mersch, which holds 209 beds, was due to close, but will now have to remain open, while the Don Bosco centre also cannot close down under current circumstances. The Centre de Primo-Accueil has set up temporary buildings in the capital to offer 78 beds, and the municipalities of Echternach and Junglinster are in talks to make 100 more beds available.
