New arrangement for asylum seekers’ accommodation from 1 March
Update Explained
Starting from March 1, all new asylum seekers in Sweden will be allocated accommodation at the Swedish Migration Agency’s asylum centres. This change aims to centralize the accommodation of asylum seekers. Asylum seekers must reside in these assigned accommodations to be eligible for financial support, such as daily allowances and special grants, unless they have exceptional grounds which allow them to live elsewhere, such as with a close family member. These exceptions will be applied sparingly. Additionally, asylum seekers who filed their applications before March 1 and currently live in private accommodations must relocate to an asylum centre by August 31 to continue receiving financial assistance. They are also required to provide their residential address, and failing to do so could lead to their asylum application being considered withdrawn. This change does not affect individuals from Ukraine who are under the Temporary Protection Directive.
What changed
From March 1, new and existing asylum seekers in Sweden must live in assigned asylum centre accommodations to receive financial support.
Why it matters
Asylum seekers must move into designated Migration Agency accommodation to maintain eligibility for financial support, and must provide their residential address.
Who is affected
- New asylum seekers in Sweden
- Asylum seekers who applied before March 1 and live in private accommodations
Key dates
Effective
Mar 1, 2023
The date from which new accommodation arrangements start.
Deadline
Aug 31, 2023
Deadline for asylum seekers who applied before March 1 to move to assigned accommodation.
Key details
- Asylum seekers must live in allocated migration accommodation centres.
- Exceptions to live elsewhere are applied restrictively and require exceptional grounds.
- Non-compliance with residence reporting may result in withdrawal of asylum application.
Important notes
The legislative change does not apply to individuals under the Temporary Protection Directive, such as people from Ukraine.