Foreign affairs minister (LSAP) was present at the refugee housing structure’s inauguration alongside Luxembourg’s archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich and representatives of companies Lafayette. Yves Piron, director of the national welcome office (ONA) was also in attendance.

The temporary housing facility, located at rue Christophe Plantin in Gasperich, opened its doors on 12 September and has already welcomed 19 refugees. The building, managed by Caritas, is solely dedicated to applicants for international protection who can stay there until they receive a response to their request. Sanitary facilities will be shared between the refugees who have been also ensured breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Facilities still nearly full

The ONA has 54 accommodation facilities for refugees awaiting a decision on their application, with a combined maximum capacity of 4,466 beds. The flow of new arrivals has continued on an upward trend over the summer and temporary reception facilities are at 94.6% capacity, the foreign affairs ministry stated in a press release. and Asselborn confirmed to Delano that the proportion of available beds is more or less still the same. He underlined, however that work is underway to set up more housing structures. Another facility in Weilerbach is currently being prepared. Up to 600 beds are expected to be installed in the former building of the Court of Justice of the European Union known as the T Building. Despite material shortages slowing down the process, that target should be reached.

In addition to the network for accommodating applicants awaiting a response, the ONA also manages 13 facilities that welcome refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine. Those have a combined maximum capacity of 1,952 beds are a net occupancy rate of 74.5%.