Author
Asylum seekers are provided with an arrival folder at the initial interview at the Swedish Migration Agency when they lodge their asylum application. This folder contains essential information about Sweden’s asylum reception system, including details about their rights and responsibilities regarding work, education, housing, healthcare, and financial assistance. The information is regularly updated, and the latest version can be accessed on the Migration Agency’s website.[1]
The Swedish Migration Agency has a responsibility to arrange suitable activities for applicants during the examination of their asylum claim.[2] What was previously stipulated in the Government’s appropriation directions (“regleringsbrev”) to the Swedish Migration Agency is now, as a result of legislative amendments, codified in law: the Agency is required to organise mandatory social orientation classes.[3] Starting from 1 March 2025, it is mandatory by law to participate in such classes. However, no sanctions are yet being imposed on those who do not participate.[4] A provision making it possible to decide on sanction in this situation was proposed in a report published in November 2025, on the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.[5] The induction is now more comprehensive and delivered to all applicants over the age of 15 through two half-day sessions, while the material is adapted and in written format for accompanied children and studied with the case officer for unaccompanied children. The sessions are organised in different languages in first reception centres or through videoconference for persons who have their own accommodation. The Swedish Migration Agency offers childcare while parents follow the course.[6]
[1] Migration Agency, While you are waiting for a decision, information for asylum seekers in Sweden, available in English here.
[2] Lagen (1994:137) om mottagande av asylsökande m.fl. section 4, available in Swedish here.
[3] Government, proposition 2024/25:49 En ny ordning för asylsökandes boende, 7 november 2024, available in Swedish here.
[4] Government, proposition 2024/25:49 En ny ordning för asylsökandes boende, 7 november 2024, available in Swedish here.
[5] Migrations- och asylpakten, DS 2025:30, vol 2, p. 924, available in Swedish here.
[6] EUAA, ‘Asylum Report 2022: Annual Report on the Situation of Asylum in the European Union’, June 2022, available here, 171-172.