Author
Detainees are allowed visitors and to receive and make phone calls on an unrestricted basis. This also includes contacts with media or politicians. There can, however, be limitations based on practical reasons regarding the safe running of the detention centre.[1] Drunken visitors will not be admitted, nor will visits in large numbers at the same time. Visiting hours should be generous and flexible and at times that are suitable to the visitor. More flexibility is shown to members of the family than to adult friends of the detainees. These visitors can never be searched bodily, however, if it is necessary, a visit can be supervised for reasons of security. But a visit by legal counsel can only be supervised at the request of the detainee or legal counsel. If it is suspected that illegal objects have been handed over to the detainee then the detainee may be bodily searched after the visit. Visits should in general take place privately in a suitable room. If a visit is denied for some reason, the detainee has the right to appeal the decision. If a visitor does not wish to give their name then this is not in itself grounds to deny a visit, nor is it in itself sufficient grounds to decide to supervise the visit.
The Commissions of Inquiry that reviewed the legislation on detention was instructed to propose changes that could improve the security in detention facilities. Its first report included several proposals on, for example, the introduction of mandatory security screenings, room searches and supervising visits through the introduction of glass partitions in the visiting rooms. The Commission of Inquiry proposed that legislative changes enter into force on 1 July 2025.[2] The Government proposed a bill, based on the inquiry’s report.[3] The changes entered into force on 1 August 2025 as the bill was accepted by the parliament on the 17 July 2025.[4]
NGOs and UNHCR have unlimited access to detention centres. However, as of 2018, NGOs have to designate in advance the persons from their organisation who visit the detention centres. As far as the author is aware, this has not caused any particular issue in practice.
[1] Chapter 11, Section 4 Aliens Act.
[2] The Swedish Government, ‘Förbättrad ordning och säkerhet vid förvar’, SOU 2024:5, 10 January 2024, available in Swedish here.
[3] The Swedish Government, Prop. 2024/25:161, Förbättrad ordning och säkerhet vid förvar, available in Swedish here
[4] The Swedish Parliament, Betänkande 2024/25:SfU22, Förbättrad ordning och säkerhet vid förvar, available in Swedish here.