Background & Purpose
Previously, many asylum seekers arranged their own private living situations, which authorities argued often led to social isolation, overcrowding, and difficulties maintaining contact during the asylum process.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed making financial support conditional on living in assigned accommodation and granting the Migration Agency authority to inspect housing. The proposal also introduced mandatory civic orientation and stipulated that failing to report your address would result in a withdrawn asylum application.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament voted yes to the government proposal, meaning asylum seekers must live in designated centers to receive daily allowances.
Does this affect you?
- Asylum seekers in Sweden: Must reside in assigned housing to receive daily living allowances and attend mandatory civic classes.
- Swedish Migration Agency staff: Gains new powers to inspect asylum housing spaces to ensure occupants are residing at their assigned address.
In Practice
- Asylum seekers will lose daily financial aid if they move to private housing outside state facilities.
- The Swedish Migration Agency can inspect rooms at housing facilities to verify who is living there.
- Asylum applications will be considered withdrawn if applicants leave assigned housing without informing authorities.
- Asylum seekers are legally required to attend mandatory courses on Swedish society.