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SWEDEN
Prisons are only used for foreign nationals, who have been convicted of a serious crime by a
Swedish Criminal Court and for a crime committed in Sweden. While the Migration Board had,
in the past, considered the possibility of using floating centres, this idea was dropped.
An alien held in detention is entitled to a special daily allowance, as are asylum seekers and/or
other applicants for residence not placed in detention. Detainees have the same access to medical
and health services as any other person applying for a residence permit in Sweden.
Prosecution
In Sweden, identity cards are used extensively to detect unlawful residents.
Asylum seekers receive a special identity document, the so-called LMA card. This personal
identity card is issued by the Migration Board and certifies the holder’s right to be in Sweden
pending completion of the asylum process. The card has a limited validity of up to six months.
On presentation of the card, asylum seekers obtain medical consultations and prescribed medicines
for a reduced fee.
The card, which contains a photograph, is digitally linked to the applicant’s records at the Migration
Board. It also contains information on the address of the holder’s registered temporary
residence, which can be one of the temporary accommodation centres of the Migration Board, as
in most cases, but also private accommodation.
The competent authorities have access to all computerized information falling within the realm
of their authority. The Migration Board has its own database where all information related to its
activities is recorded. The police have access to all data on policing activities and a number of
registers required for their work (e.g. registered personal data). Police authorities also have
access to European and international information originating from the Schengen Information
System and Europol.
Some sanctions can be applied in the case of non-cooperation, such as restricting daily financial
allowances (never completely) and social benefits, and sometimes detention.
Fingerprints
All asylum seekers need to have a “personal identity number”. The Migration Board keeps a
record of both this ID number and the fingerprints of asylum seekers, the latter also being registered
in the Schengen database. The Swedish authorities rely on this personal ID number, which
is also required of all legally residing foreigners, to allow them to work, have a bank account,
rent accommodation and benefit from the Swedish social system. Without this card, it is virtually
impossible to live in Sweden; with it, illegally residing migrants will eventually come to
light.
1.4 STATISTICS ON INVOLUNTARY RETURN
The Swedish authorities apparently do not make a distinction between voluntary and involuntary
return for statistical purposes. However, most Swedish returns are involuntary.