Previously, the reception centre for asylum seekers was located in Illuka rural municipality, and
the Chancellor’s previous inspection visit to the centre took place in 2010.
2.1. Organisation of the provision of health care services
The inspection visit revealed that no initial health check of the asylum seekers is performed
after their admission to the centre. It was found that interpreting was not always provided during
the doctor’s appointment, and in certain cases the residents of the centre were annoyed by the
fact that the head of the centre or other residents interpreted during the appointment. There were
also problems with the provision of dental treatment for children.
The Chancellor recommended to the centre to ensure that an initial health check within a
reasonable time is arranged for the persons admitted to the centre. In the Chancellor’s opinion,
in cooperation with the general practitioner it should also be determined which health checks
should always be considered. In addition, the Chancellor recommended to conclude a contract
for the provision of health care services with a general practitioner, defining the services to be
provided to the residents of the centre and the procedure for the provision of the services.
The Chancellor also recommended to organise interpreting into a language understood by a
resident during the provision of the health care service and, if possible, involve a professional
interpreter at the expense of the centre. The Chancellor also recommended that children should
be offered a possibility for a dentist’s appointment at the expense of the centre.
2.2. Psychological counselling
The inspection revealed that the centre had not organised psychological counselling. In case of
necessity, the centre had arranged the provision of psychiatric care for the residents.
The Chancellor recommended to the centre to organise the provision of psychological
counselling services for the asylum seekers. The Chancellor noted that, if possible, the service
should be provided regularly on the premises of the centre to ensure its accessibility, and the
people should be informed of such a possibility.
2.3. Language learning and activities
The inspection revealed that the residents of the centre felt depressed due to forced inactivity.
The centre organised Estonian and English lessons for the asylum seekers twice a week.
However, it was found that language learning could be organised more efficiently, because
when new people arrive in the centre the language learning essentially begins from scratch and
therefore progress is very slow.
With regard to leisure activities, it was found that relatively many and diverse events and
activities for spending free time were organised for the residents of the centre, including the
possibility to have a garden plot at the centre in summer. However, the residents noted that they
wished to have more opportunities to work.
The Chancellor recommended to the centre to consider possibilities how to organise language
training more efficiently (including dividing the learners into groups depending on their level
of progress). The Chancellor also recommended to the centre to facilitate projects and activities
to engage asylum seekers in work and professional activities in order to maintain their work
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