Discussion and conclusion

• Pages: 52-56

52 - EASO Mental health of applicants for internatio nal protection in Europe

5. Discussion and conclusion

Respondents participating in the survey did not only share chall enges but also provided several

recommendations on how to ensure more effectiveness in preventing mental health concerns of applicants

and how to respond to their needs. According to participants, a good number of applicants present with

mental health concerns due to exposure to traumatic events in their country of origin. These concerns are

exacerbated by prolonged asylum procedures, lack of staff to respond appropriately, lack of access to

applicants in need in accelerated procedures, overcrowded reception facilities, placement in detention and

lack of access to relevant information. Responde nts agreed that a stronger focus should be placed on

prevention of mental health concerns in applicants instead of response only. This can, however, only be

successful when sufficient investments are made in national asylum systems, in terms of human resources,

direct service provision, development of streamlined procedures a nd providing appropriate space for

reception.

5.1 Recommendations

In terms of resources, it was suggested to address the needs of vulnerable applicants in a timely manner and

support with meaningful interventions while keeping prevention of mental health concerns at the core.

Recently some AMIF/EU funded projects have started to help, for example with early recognition of mental

health issues at the reception centres. Additonal funding for similar projects was considered useful by

respondents.

On an organisational level, strong commitment and i nvestment by authorities into reception and staff in

general was suggested. A need for more flexibility in terms of scheduling work was stressed, which should be

linked to the identified needs of the applicants. The importance of access to applicants in detention by

specialists (e.g. psychologist, psychiatrists etc.) was highlighted. Further, clear protocols, SOPs, clear job

descriptions to avoid overlaps by staff working in this field needs attention. Inv estment in staff wellbeing

was highlighted and lastly, the availability of interpreters to support professionals in their work needs

stronger consideration.

In terms of expertise and a skilled workforce, training courses on an ethical work appro ach (as it relates to

code of conduct and accountability) were sug gested as well as training in both psychiatric and non-

psychiatric emergencies. Stress and anger management related training mod ules were seen useful for first-

line workers and a general information package on migration and a sylum for specific specialists such as

medical doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists, who support in providing medical certification for

applicants was seen as crucial. Support sessions on how to keep the balance between information needed

for the purpose of the personal interview and not further t raumatising the applicant were discussion points

‘The behaviour of applicants we work with affects us.’