Reception facilities accommodate asylum-seekers and recognized refugees, individuals and families, on a temporary basis. After filing their asylum claim, asylum-seekers are authorized to stay in the facility until their claim is decided. Once they are recognized as a refugee, they are allowed to stay in the reception centre and prepare for their new life in the new country for a certain period, usually one year. In vulnerable or special cases, this permitted stay may be extended.

Reception facilities have a varying profile, some are specialized pre-integration facilities, while some are special homes to unaccompanied minors and separated children. 

Reception facilities provide housing, food, basic health care and pocket money for their inhabitants. The level and quality of these services usually greatly vary from one facility to another, both within one country and across the region. 

Therefore, UNHCR continuously monitors the standard of living and quality of services in reception facilities, either itself or through NGO partners, throughout the year and via participatory assessments (as part of the Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming strategy). The monitoring looks at, for instance, the basic hygiene conditions, the quality and diversity of the meals, the availability of sports and recreational opportunities or designated areas for praying.