Early crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemic in collective accommodation facilities for refugees: Analysis of cross-actor working arrangements from the perspective of the reception authorities in Germany

Abstract

Background: Refugees in collective accommodation facilities are at increased risk of COVID-19-infections due to high occupancy density and shared spaces. It is unclear which (organisational) actors the reception authorities were working with in their crisis response and how. The aim of this paper is to examine the working arrangements between reception authorities and other actors involved in accommodation and (health) care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to derive recommendations for future crisis responses. Methods: The analysis was based on qualitative interviews with representatives responsible for the reception and accommodation of refugees (N = 46) conducted from May to July 2020. Cross-actor networks were visualised, and a qualitative analysis of the data material was carried out using the framework method. Results: The reception authorities worked with a multitude of other (organisational) actors. Health authorities, social workers and security personnel were mentioned most frequently. The crisis response was found to be highly heterogeneous due to its dependence on the commitment, knowledge and attitude of the individuals and organisations involved. In the absence of a coordinating actor, there may also be delays due to a “wait-and-see” attitude of the actors involved. Conclusion: Crisis response in collective accommodation facilities for refugees would benefit from a clear allocation of the coordinating role to an appropriate actor. Instead of improvised ad hoc solutions, sustainable improvements in terms of transformative resilience are needed to reduce structural vulnerabilities.