€1 Billion Savings Potential: Recommendations For Improved Asylum Shelter Management

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Streamlining the Asylum Application Process

Reducing the time it takes to process asylum applications directly impacts shelter costs. Faster processing means shorter stays in temporary accommodation, reducing the overall expenditure on refugee housing. A streamlined asylum process is crucial for efficient asylum claims and minimizing the asylum backlog. Key improvements include:

• Implementing digitalization: Moving the asylum application process online can drastically reduce processing times and administrative burdens. This includes online application submission, secure document storage, and digital communication between applicants and authorities.

• Increasing staff training and resources: Investing in comprehensive training for asylum claim assessors can improve the quality and speed of decision-making. This includes training on relevant legislation, effective interviewing techniques, and identifying vulnerable individuals. Adequate staffing levels are also essential to avoid bottlenecks.

• Prioritizing vulnerable cases: Cases involving vulnerable asylum seekers, such as unaccompanied minors, victims of torture, or those with serious medical conditions, should be prioritized for faster processing to ensure their timely access to appropriate support and protection.

• Strengthening cooperation between national authorities and EU agencies: Enhanced collaboration between national authorities and agencies like EASO (European Asylum Support Office) can foster the sharing of best practices, streamline procedures, and ensure a more consistent application of asylum law across the EU.

• Introducing clear timelines and performance indicators: Establishing clear timelines for each stage of the asylum process and tracking performance indicators will ensure accountability and identify areas needing improvement. This data-driven approach is crucial for efficient asylum claims processing.

Optimizing Shelter Capacity and Resource Allocation

Effective capacity planning and resource allocation are essential for minimizing unnecessary expenditure on underutilized or overcrowded shelters. Optimizing shelter costs requires a strategic approach to sustainable asylum housing.

• Developing a dynamic system for predicting shelter needs: Utilizing data on arrival patterns, seasonal variations, and other relevant factors can enable authorities to anticipate shelter needs more accurately and avoid situations of overcapacity or shortage.

• Implementing a centralized database: A centralized database for tracking shelter occupancy, available resources (including beds, staff, and supplies), and the needs of asylum seekers will allow for better coordination and resource allocation. This includes information on available refugee housing options.

• Exploring alternative housing solutions: Moving away from solely relying on large-scale shelters and exploring alternatives such as decentralized accommodations (e.g., private apartments, shared housing) and partnerships with the private sector can reduce costs and improve integration.

• Improving inventory management: Efficient inventory management of supplies and materials within shelters can minimize waste and optimize resource use, leading to significant cost savings in the long run.

• Investing in energy-efficient and sustainable shelter designs: Building energy-efficient shelters using sustainable materials reduces operational costs over the long term and aligns with environmental sustainability goals.

Enhancing Integration and Self-Sufficiency Programs

Investing in faster integration programs leads to reduced long-term dependency on shelter support and faster economic independence for asylum seekers, ultimately reducing the burden on the asylum system. Faster integration pathways are key to reducing asylum costs.

• Expanding language training and vocational skills development: Providing comprehensive language training and vocational skills development programs equips asylum seekers with the tools they need to find employment and become self-sufficient.

• Providing access to job placement services and entrepreneurship support: Connecting asylum seekers with job placement services and providing entrepreneurship support can help them integrate into the labor market more quickly.

• Facilitating access to healthcare, education, and social services: Ensuring access to essential services enables asylum seekers to lead healthy and productive lives, promoting successful integration and reducing reliance on long-term shelter.

• Developing community integration programs: Community integration programs promote social cohesion and help asylum seekers adapt to their new environment, leading to faster integration and reduced reliance on support services.

• Measuring the effectiveness of integration programs: Regularly evaluating the impact of integration programs helps identify areas needing improvement and ensures resources are used efficiently.

Implementing Robust Monitoring and Evaluation Systems

Regular monitoring and evaluation are critical for tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring accountability in the use of public funds for efficient asylum shelter management. Transparent asylum management is paramount.

• Implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Establishing clear KPIs to measure efficiency and cost-effectiveness in various aspects of asylum shelter management enables data-driven decision-making.

• Conducting regular audits: Regular audits of shelter operations and financial management identify potential inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

• Analyzing cost data: Detailed analysis of cost data helps pinpoint areas for potential savings and inform resource allocation decisions.

• Publishing transparent reports: Publishing transparent reports on asylum shelter management practices and expenditure enhances accountability and builds public trust.

• Utilizing data-driven insights: Data-driven insights inform policy decisions and resource allocation, optimizing the asylum system's efficiency and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Improved asylum shelter management offers significant potential for cost savings while simultaneously enhancing the well-being of asylum seekers. By implementing the recommendations outlined above, European nations can unlock a €1 billion saving potential and create a more efficient and humane asylum system. Investing in effective asylum shelter management is not just a matter of fiscal responsibility; it's a crucial step towards building a more just and sustainable asylum system in Europe. Let's work together to optimize asylum shelter management and achieve significant cost savings while ensuring dignified conditions for asylum seekers.