Sweden is bound by EU legislation and has transposed relevant provisions through the Aliens Act (SFS 2005:716 with further amendments) | Utlänningslag (2005:716), (29 September 2005),  the Aliens Regulation (SFS 2006:97 with further amendments) | Utlänningsförordning (2006:97), (23 February 2006), and the Ordinance (2021:813).

Aliens Regulation (SFS 2006:97 with further amendments) | Utlänningsförordning (2006:97), (23 February 2006)

Aliens Act (SFS 2005:716 with further amendments) | Utlänningslag (2005:716), (29 September 2005)

Ordinance (2021:813)

Chapter 8, Section 10f of the Aliens Ordinance outlines detailed provisions for the information that must be provided to third-country nationals applying for international protection. The primary authority responsible for delivering this information is the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), although other authorities, such as the police, may also provide basic guidance.

Information on international protection is given to applicants when they first apply, both in written form (through an informational folder) and orally during the initial interview with the SMA. This information covers essential topics such as the steps to apply for asylum, applicants' rights and responsibilities, the potential consequences of non-compliance, and details about specific procedures like the Dublin procedure. Information is provided on the treatment of children in the asylum procedure, and the importance of identity verification. The material is available in several languages, including Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Dari, English, French, Mongolian, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Swedish, Tigrinya, Turkish and Uzbek.

For applicants with special needs, such as children, LGBTIQ individuals or victims of domestic violence, the SMA provides tailored information. This information is not automatically given but is offered when applicants disclose specific needs that make the material relevant to their case. The information is provided both orally and through the information folder which is translated into the most common languages.

Asylum seekers in detention are provided with the same information as those not in detention by staff, website and public counsel. This usually occurs when they arrive at the detention unit but may also happen later when information is requested by the detainee.

Publicly available resources, including written material, videos and links to relevant information, are accessible through the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.

Applicants receive information on the Dublin III Regulation at various stages of the asylum process, particularly when their application becomes subject to the regulation. This information is provided by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), both at the time of the application and again if the applicant is subject to the Dublin procedure. Initially, applicants are given general information on the Dublin Regulation when they file their asylum application, and more detailed information is provided if their case falls under the regulation.

The responsible authority for providing information on the Dublin procedure is the SMA. They cover the basics of the Dublin Regulation, explaining its purpose, the role of the personal interview and what to expect during the process.

Information is typically provided in written form and orally during interviews and is supplemented with specific national information. Applicants receive written material (ankomstmappen) and a process overview (processkarta), which outline the steps and timeline of the Dublin procedure.

The languages in which this information is available include Albanian, Arabic, Dari, English, Georgian, Kurmanji, Persian, Somali, Sorani, Swedish and Tigrinya.

For unaccompanied minors, the SMA provides a separate process overview. The process overview is currently under review.

Regarding the notification of a transfer decision, applicants are informed about legal remedies and available assistance options at the same time they receive other information related to the transfer.

For more information see: Dublin Regulation Information - Migrationsverket

When an applicant submits an application to the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA), they are provided with essential information on the asylum procedure.

This information is initially given in writing, in a folder specifically designed for asylum applicants. The folder includes detailed instructions on what to expect throughout the asylum procedure, including information on the admissibility interview and the personal interview. Additionally, this information is conveyed orally during the admissibility interview (or the initial interview). Information is also available online in written form.

Applicants are informed about the aim, purpose and importance of the personal interview, as well as the procedural specifics. They are provided with details about their rights and obligations during the interview, including the role of all actors present (such as the interviewer, interpreters and others).  Applicants are briefed on the confidentiality aspects of the interview and the specific role the interpreter will play, if needed. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of bringing identification and relevant documents that support the application. For applicants who are minors, specific guidance is provided.

The applicant is informed of the date and place of the personal interview either during the application registration process or through mail sent shortly after. Information on the interview details is provided both in writing and orally. In addition to the written folder, the SMA uses various means, including direct communication through phone or mail, to confirm the date, time and location of the interview.

Upon completion of the interview, applicants are informed about their right to submit additional evidence if necessary to support the application. This information is provided orally at the end of the interview and reinforced in the written material given to the applicant at the time of the application. After the interview, the applicant is also informed about the next steps in the procedure. This information is typically provided orally by the interviewer and is reiterated in the written information package.

When a decision on the applicant’s protection status is made, the SMA communicates this decision to the applicant in writing. Along with the decision, detailed information on the applicant’s rights and obligations is provided. This includes clear guidance on what the decision means for the applicant, particularly on the possibility of lodging an appeal if the decision is negative. Information on legal assistance for lodging an appeal is also made available to the applicant.

For a negative decision, the applicant is not only informed about the appeal process but also about the obligation to leave the country. The agency provides details on the possibility of assisted voluntary returns and reintegration programmes to help the applicant return to the country of origin. This information is delivered both in writing and orally during focused meetings with the applicant.

Applicants receive information on their right to consult, at their own cost, a legal adviser or other counsellor at the time of registering the application, which is reiterated during the initial interview with the SMA. If applicable, when making an appointment for the personal interview, the applicant is also informed about the possibility of seeking legal counselling. This information is provided by the SMA and is given both orally and in writing. Additionally, the information is available online.

Applicants are informed about the right to free legal assistance and representation in the appeal procedure when they receive information on legal representation. This information is emphasised during the personal interview and when the applicant receives the decision on their application. The SMA provides this information, and it is also made clear by the legal representation. This information is given both orally and in writing and is also accessible online.

During the identification phase, information is provided by UNHCR at the time the applicant/refugee is informed about the possibility of being considered for resettlement to Sweden and is asked for their consent to proceed. During this interview, UNHCR provides information on Swedish society, norms and regulations to assess the applicant’s/refugee’s willingness to integrate into Swedish society.

In the selection phase, information is provided by the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) at the time the applicant/refugee is interviewed by the SMA. During this interview, the SMA provides details on the resettlement process. Further information on Swedish society, norms and regulations in provided in connection with the integration interview. Questions are also posed to the applicant/refugee about their willingness to integrate into society. Additionally, the SMA encourages the applicant/refugee to ask questions and provides answers accordingly.

During pre-departure orientation, which generally takes place 1 month before the departure to Sweden in the country of asylum, information is provided by the IOM on the resettlement process, details about the journey to Sweden, the beneficiaries’ rights and obligations, language classes, and the social, cultural and political situation in Sweden, as well as Swedish norms and regulations. This helps prepare the applicant/refugee for their upcoming journey and settlement.

48 hours before the flight, the refugees stay at the IOM transit centre where they are provided with further information on the travel, flight security, baggage allowance, etc. They also go through a 'fit for flight' medical check.

No further information is provided during the travel phase. In the reception phase, information is provided by the municipality and national authorities responsible for access to the job market and social benefits.

An orientation programme is provided to people selected for resettlement upon arrival in Sweden. The programme covers various aspects, such as beneficiaries' rights and obligations, introduction to the Swedish social, cultural and political situation, and some language classes to aid in integration.

For more information: Resettlement - Migrationsverket.

When beneficiaries of protection receive their decision, they are provided with information on the rights and obligations associated with the protection status. This includes information on residence permits for those with refugee or subsidiary protection status, the possibility of family reunification, the process to appeal the status decision, circumstances under which protection status may be withdrawn, how to apply for a residence permit extension, and information on travel documents. The information is provided by the SMA in writing and is accessible online, as well as orally when the decision is given to the applicant.

Additionally, beneficiaries receive information on integration activities during the asylum procedure. This information is given when the applicant is granted a protection status and covers topics such as the introductory programme provided by the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), which helps individuals settle in Swedish society. The program includes training, job opportunities (such as internships), support in job searches, assistance if starting a business, validation of competencies, and support for those needing to develop or build skills. More details on this programme can be found here: Etableringsprogrammet - Arbetsförmedlingen.

Information on employment and the labour market is provided when beneficiaries receive the residence permit and settlement in a municipality. This includes information on the rights to work, available support in finding a job, and job training opportunities. This information is delivered by the SMA, and further support is offered by local authorities and the Swedish Public Employment Service, both in writing and online.

Beneficiaries are informed by the SMA about their right to access school and education at the time of settlement, and it includes details about schooling opportunities for children and educational resources for adults. This information is typically provided in writing and orally, and in some cases, an interpreter is available.

Beneficiaries of protection receive information about healthcare at the time of settlement in a municipality. The information covers the right to healthcare, how to access services and emergency contact numbers. It also includes details about the right to an interpreter and the confidentiality of medical services. This information is provided by the municipalities, in writing and online. For more information: Om du behöver vård | Informationsverige.se.

Finally, beneficiaries of protection are informed about how to obtain a residence permit. This information is provided when they receive the protection status decision. It covers the rights and obligations associated with the residence permit, such as the requirement to register with the population register, the possibility of establishment contributions and the procedures to apply for an extension of the residence permit. This information is provided by the SMA both in writing and online.

Applicants in the reception system receive information on their rights, obligations and reception conditions in the folder which is provided when the asylum application is made and online. In addition, applicants must attend an obligatory introduction to the asylum application process and the Swedish society. The information is delivered both individually, through written material and in a group setting during the introduction session. However, if special needs or circumstances arise, it is possible to arrange an individual meeting for more specific information.

The SMA is responsible for providing this information, although other relevant authorities and voluntary organisations may also play a role, especially for healthcare and other services. The material covers important topics such as reception conditions, rights and obligations, legal assistance, education, employment healthcare, and activities available during the waiting period.

The information is provided in a variety of formats, including written material and oral provision. Depending on the specific material, it is available in different languages, and if the material is not available in the applicant's language, an interpreter may be required. Specific targeted material is available for applicants with special needs.

For more information:

• I am seeking asylum | Informationsverige.se
• Youmo - Directed at minors and young adults
• Medan du väntar - Swedish Migration Agency

Third-country nationals in detention are informed about the reasons for their detention and the procedures to challenge the detention order at the time of detention. This includes information on the possibility to appeal. As a general rule, each individual in detention is also provided with legal assistance. The information is given both orally and in writing.

The SMA provides this information when the individual arrives at the detention facility, or if that is not possible, during an interview conducted shortly after arrival. Upon arrival, detainees are given an information leaflet in the appropriate language, and if necessary, an interpreter is consulted to ensure the detainee fully understands the content. The leaflet contains important information on appeal procedures, legal assistance, contact with staff at the detention facility, interpretation services, contact with the outside world, visitors, obligations and rights at the detention facility, security protocols, healthcare (including dental care), financial aid, and how to file complaints. In addition to the written information, a comprehensive interview is conducted at the time of arrival, where further necessary details are explained. The website can be found here: Protection and asylum in Sweden - Migrationsverket.