legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

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When assistance is requested, the local services carry out a thorough review of the current financial
situation of the applicant and decide whether assistance should be granted or not. If assistance is
granted, the amount depends on the individual situation and may also differ from one municipality to
another.
A home equipment loan is offered to refugees, provided that they are over 18 years of age, have
been received by a municipality after being registered in a residence centre or otherwise come under
the refugee reception scheme. The loan is quantified as a percentage of the current basic amount
under the National Insurance Act. The maximum available is SEK 21,000 [EUR 2,520.2] for a single
person, and SEK 34,000 [EUR 4,080.4] for a family with two children. No repayment is required
during the first two years after the loan is granted. Interest is charged at a rate fixed by the
Government each year. Repayment schedules depend on the amount borrowed.
Refugees have access to the labour market on the same terms as nationals.
According to the available statistics, the situation of immigrants in general on the Swedish labour
market has steadily deteriorated in recent years. Unemployment amongst foreign nationals is about
three times as high as for Swedish nationals.
Language tuition
Within three months of his/her settlement, the municipality must offer a refugee a language course
entitled “Swedish introduction for immigrants”.
School attendance
School attendance until 15 years old is compulsory for all children, including those of refugees.
Mother tongue tuition
All pupils in the care of persons with a mother tongue other than Swedish are entitled to receive
mother tongue tuition in primary, secondary and special schools. These lessons often take place in
the afternoon, after normal school hours. In practice, many municipalities require five pupils with the
same mother tongue to organise such lessons.
Access to the adult education system
Refugees have the same access to the adult educational system as Swedish nationals and are
entitled to the same educational assistance (i.e. grants and loans).
Access to the national health service
Refugees have the same access to the national health service as Swedish nationals. There is no
qualifying period after a residence permit has been obtained.
Unaccompanied minors
The ultimate responsibility for ensuring that unaccompanied minors who are granted refugee status
receive the necessary protection and assistance rests with the municipalities.
In practice, 50% of these children are placed in foster homes, 30% in youth accommodation centres
and 20% in community housing. The conditions of reception nevertheless vary from one municipality
to another.
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Sweden