Abstract
Purpose Prolonged exposure to daily stressors can have long-term detrimental implications for overall mental health. For asylum seekers in European Union transit or destination countries, navigating life in reception centres can represent a significant burden. The purpose of this study was to explore post-migration stressors during residency in reception centres, and to formulate recommendations for adequate service provision in Belgium. Design/methodology/approach Research was conducted in two reception centres in Belgium. A total of 41 in-depth interviews were carried out with asylum seeker residents (n = 29) and staff (n = 12). Purposive recruitment was used for asylum seekers (for variation in length of centre residency and family status) and staff (variation in job profiles). Interviews were conducted in English, French or with a translator in Arabic or Dari. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and manually coded using thematic analysis. Findings Asylum seekers face significant constraints with regard to their living conditions, including total absence of privacy, overcrowding and unhygienic conditions. These act as continuous and prolonged exposure to daily stressors. Several barriers to accessing activities or integration opportunities prevent meaningful occupation, contribute towards eroded autonomy and isolation of asylum seeker residents. Inadequate capacity and resources for the provision of psychosocial support in reception centres leads to a sense of abandonment and worthlessness. Originality/value Analysis indicates that structural and practical challenges to adequately support asylum seekers are rooted in policy failures necessary for appropriate resourcing and prioritization of preventative measures. Such deliberate decisions contribute towards state deterrence strategies, eroding both individual well-being and manufacturing a crisis in the systems of support for asylum seekers.
Highlights
Europe encompasses both transit and destination countries for asylum seekers
To investigate the role of daily stressors in the well-being of asylum seekers in the Belgian reception system, a qualitative exploratory study design was selected. This comprised of indepth interviews (IDIs) with asylum seekers currently residing in reception centres, and key informant interviews with Fedasil and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) staff members of the reception centres
From the analysis of the data, we identified three main emerging themes related to daily stressors and well-being: 1) poor living conditions; 2) lack of engagement, integration and autonomy; 3) inadequate capacity and resources to provide psychosocial support
Summary
Europe encompasses both transit and destination countries for asylum seekers. In 2019, 79.5 million people were forcibly displaced, fleeing conflict, persecution or violence, with 4.1 million people awaiting a decision on their asylum claim (UNHCR, 2020). In European Union (EU) countries, 676,300 asylum seekers applied for international protection in the same period (Eurostat, 2020). Significant variations exist between EU countries in reception conditions for asylum seekers, leading to diverse outcomes for those using these different asylum systems (Rossenberger and Konig, 2011; European Council on Refugees and Exiles, 2017). Residency and reception of asylum seekers in Belgium falls under federal jurisdiction, whilst integration policies are organized at a regional level (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels). The (Information about the authors can be found at the end of this article.)
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