New asylum rules bring county limits and attendance checks

Sweden’s new reception law takes effect on 1 October, introducing county-level movement restrictions and attendance checks for asylum applicants. People receiving daily allowance also need a new application to keep their payments.

The Migration Agency says applications received after 30 September cannot secure allowance retrospectively for days before receipt. Anyone who missed that deadline should apply promptly.

Under the main rule, applicants must remain in the county where their allocated accommodation is located. Permission is needed to travel outside that area. People aged 16 or over living in reception or return centres face attendance checks.

Those aged 16 or over with an enforceable return decision must report three times a week. The agency will tell them when and where; special reasons may justify permission to miss a check.

Failure to meet movement or reporting duties can reduce or end daily allowance. Existing exemptions allowing asylum applicants to work normally remain valid, while new exemptions can generally become available after six months without a decision.

Migration Minister Johan Forssell presented the legislation in February. The agency says it will call affected people to information meetings; they do not need to book an appointment themselves.

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