Sweden launches review of religious-conversion asylum cases

Sweden has launched a national review of how the Migration Agency handles asylum claims based on religious conversion, after an official audit documented persistent concerns about consistency and legal quality.

The Government has appointed a coordinator to map how the agency examines those claims, evaluate whether earlier recommendations took effect and assemble a national knowledge review. The assignment is due by 31 December 2027.

A 2024 audit said staff and outside organisations regarded conversion cases as especially difficult. It recorded criticism of inconsistent methods, interview focus and limited attention to each applicant’s ability to explain a change in belief.

The Migration Agency later reported training and workshops developed with the Swedish Christian Council. It also described approval-rate differences between offices that prompted a joint case exercise for decision-makers.

Religious conversion can support international protection when return would expose someone to persecution. The legal test remains individual. This review changes no current asylum rule and does not reopen previous decisions.

The coordinator must assess the measures already taken and consult people with relevant knowledge before reporting to the Government.

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