According to the latest report published Tuesday, a total of 1,369 applications were submitted from January to July 2017, compared to 1,025 in 2016 and 650 in 2015. The majority were Syrians (224), many of which came to Luxembourg under relocation programmes with other countries.

This group was followed by Serbians (150), Moroccans (120), Algerians (105) and Albanians (99).

During the first seven months, Luxembourg issued refugee status to 619 applicants and subsidiary protection to 11. It refused 387 applicants. In July, 36 people whose applications were rejected were returned, bringing the total number this year to 282. Of the nationalities being returned, Kosovans were the largest group (86), followed by Albanians (50), Bosnia Herzegovinians (42) and Serbians (27).

Accommodation for asylum seekers

By law, Luxembourg is obliged to offer accommodation to registered asylum seekers. Integration and reception office Olai owns 74 residences or foyers around the country for asylum seekers, 22 of which are managed through partners like the Red Cross and Caritas. At the time of publishing, the foyers provided up to 3,500 beds.

An Olai spokesperson told Delano that during 2017, the office replaced closed facilities by opening new foyers in Bettembourg (50 beds), Millebach-Luxembourg (33 beds) and Soleuvre-Sanem (360 beds). In 2018, there are plans to open five new foyers: Quai Neiduerf, Esch-sur-Alzette (150 beds), Valeriushaff, Tandel (100 beds), Bridel (42 beds), Annexe Foyer St Antoine, Luxembourg (90 beds) and Kirchberg (size to be confirmed).