Better Organization Of Asylum Shelters: A €1 Billion Savings Opportunity

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Streamlining the Asylum Application Process

Delays and inefficiencies in the asylum application process significantly contribute to the high cost of managing asylum shelters. Prolonged processing times lead to extended stays in shelters, increasing accommodation costs and straining resources. Several improvements can drastically reduce these expenses.

• Digitalization of the application process: Moving the application process online can drastically reduce paperwork, processing times, and associated administrative costs. Estimates suggest digitalization could save €200 million annually by streamlining workflows and reducing manual data entry.
• Increased staffing and training for asylum officers: Adequate staffing with well-trained asylum officers is crucial for efficient processing. Investing in training programs focused on legal frameworks, cultural sensitivity, and efficient case management can lead to faster processing times and fewer errors, potentially saving €150 million annually.
• Improved data management and information sharing between agencies: Real-time data sharing among relevant agencies (immigration authorities, social services, etc.) ensures coordinated efforts, prevents duplication of work, and speeds up the overall process. This improved coordination could lead to cost savings of €100 million annually.
• Faster decision-making processes: Implementing clear timelines and performance indicators for decision-making can significantly reduce processing times and associated costs. This could contribute to further savings of €50 million annually.

These improvements, targeting application processing, digitalization, asylum seekers, efficiency, and processing times, offer a significant potential for cost reduction.

Optimizing Shelter Capacity and Allocation

Current systems often suffer from overcapacity in some shelters and shortages in others, resulting in unnecessary costs. Empty beds represent wasted resources, while overcrowding compromises living conditions and increases the risk of health issues. Optimized capacity management is key to cost-effectiveness.

• Real-time data on shelter occupancy and needs: A centralized system providing real-time data on shelter occupancy and anticipated needs allows for dynamic allocation of asylum seekers, preventing overcrowding and optimizing resource utilization.
• Dynamic allocation of asylum seekers based on capacity and needs: Algorithms and predictive modeling can optimize the distribution of asylum seekers based on shelter capacity and individual needs (e.g., families with children, individuals with special needs).
• Improved regional coordination between shelters and authorities: Better communication and collaboration among different regions ensure efficient resource allocation and prevent regional imbalances in shelter occupancy.
• Investing in modular shelter solutions to adapt to fluctuating demand: Modular shelters offer flexibility, allowing for quick expansion or reduction of capacity depending on the influx of asylum seekers.

Implementing these solutions, focused on shelter capacity, occupancy, resource allocation, regional coordination, and cost-effectiveness, can significantly reduce operational costs and ensure efficient resource management.

Enhancing Integration and Support Services

Effective integration programs are crucial for reducing long-term costs. Asylum seekers who quickly learn the language, find employment, and become self-sufficient reduce their reliance on shelter systems and social welfare programs.

• Increased access to language training and vocational programs: Early and comprehensive language training and vocational programs greatly enhance employability and reduce long-term dependence on social welfare.
• Enhanced mental health support for asylum seekers: Addressing mental health needs promptly can reduce healthcare costs and promote faster integration.
• Facilitating access to housing and employment opportunities: Direct assistance in finding suitable housing and employment opportunities accelerates integration and reduces reliance on shelter systems.
• Early integration programs starting upon arrival: Implementing comprehensive integration plans from the moment asylum seekers arrive significantly improves their chances of self-sufficiency.

Investing in integration programs, employment support, language training, mental health, and social welfare ultimately leads to lower long-term costs and improves the well-being of asylum seekers.

Utilizing Technology for Improved Management

Technology offers powerful tools for optimizing shelter management and reducing costs. Strategic investments in digital solutions can deliver significant long-term benefits.

• Utilizing AI for predictive modelling of shelter needs: AI can analyze data to predict future needs, allowing for proactive capacity planning and resource allocation.
• Implementing case management software to track individual progress and needs: Software solutions can track individual cases, ensuring efficient service delivery and preventing duplication of efforts.
• Using mobile applications to facilitate communication and information sharing: Mobile apps can improve communication between asylum seekers, shelter staff, and relevant agencies.
• Employing data analytics to identify areas for improvement and cost savings: Data analysis can uncover hidden inefficiencies and identify areas for optimization within the shelter system.

Leveraging technology, AI, data analytics, case management, and digital solutions will lead to significant long-term cost savings and improvements in the efficiency of asylum shelter management.

Conclusion: Better Organization of Asylum Shelters: A €1 Billion Savings Opportunity – A Call to Action

By streamlining the asylum application process, optimizing shelter capacity and allocation, enhancing integration services, and utilizing technology, the European Union can achieve significant cost savings in managing asylum shelters. The potential for a €1 billion (or more) reduction in annual expenditure is realistic. These improvements not only lead to financial efficiency but also improve the living conditions and integration prospects of asylum seekers, creating a more humane and sustainable system. By embracing these strategies for better organization of asylum shelters, we can unlock a €1 billion savings opportunity while simultaneously enhancing the lives of asylum seekers. We urge policymakers, NGOs, and all relevant stakeholders to adopt these strategies and work collaboratively towards a more efficient and compassionate asylum system. Let's collaborate to create a more effective and humane approach to asylum shelter management.