The Government and the Sweden Democrats propose in a legislative referral that asylum seekers as a main rule must live in state-run asylum accommodations to receive economic support. The proposal is expected to get at least half to choose asylum accommodations instead of private housing, compared to around 30 percent today.
It's a step in the right direction, but I don't think it will be enough to make everyone do it, says Minister for Migration Johan Forssell (The Moderate Party).
Since the mid-1990s, when the so-called ebo-law was introduced, asylum seekers have had the right to settle wherever they want in Sweden. According to the Government, this has led to negative consequences for both the individual and society.
Strong enough?
Many live cramped with relatives and acquaintances in socially deprived areas, which, according to Forssell, hinders integration and contributes to the shadow society.
The Sweden Democrats' migration policy spokesperson Ludvig Aspling also points out that living in the Migration Agency's asylum centers facilitates a quick and efficient asylum process and a faster return if the asylum application is rejected.
However, the daily allowance is considered low, and the Migration Agency has previously stated that it does not provide a sufficient incentive for many to live in an asylum accommodation.
Obligatory centers
The Government and the Sweden Democrats actually want to go further and have a kind of obligatory asylum centers, where asylum seekers will be required to stay throughout the entire asylum process.
An investigator will present a proposal on this in two weeks. Among other things, it involves asylum seekers having a notification obligation, and the geographical area they are allowed to stay in will be limited.
The Social Democrats' migration policy spokesperson Anders Ygeman thinks that the proposal now presented is too toothless. He believes that there are ways to get more asylum seekers to live in the Migration Agency's asylum centers, for example through stronger economic incentives.
If that doesn't work, Ygeman is open to legislating on obligatory residence in asylum centers with in- and out-pass controls.
Ultimately, you have to try it, he says.
Asylum seekers will only be entitled to economic assistance (daily allowance and special benefits) if they live in a state-run asylum accommodation.
However, exceptions can be made from the main rule if they have close relatives, in practice a nuclear family, in Sweden, or have medical reasons for living elsewhere.
The Migration Agency will be able to check if the asylum seeker lives at the designated place in the asylum accommodation.
If not, the asylum application will be considered withdrawn and can be struck out. However, it is possible for the asylum seeker to apply for asylum again.
Furthermore, a legally regulated obligation for asylum seekers to participate in societal introduction is proposed. Today, only 60 percent participate.
The new law is proposed to come into force on March 1, 2025.
