On July 25, the Swedish Government received a new report on the status of the Ukrainians who had fled their country due to the Russian invasion and found refuge in Sweden. The report, conducted by the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), indicates positive developments in almost all comparable parameters.
More than 42,000 Ukrainians have sought refuge in Sweden, including 13,000 children. The country offers refugees temporary protection, housing, financial support, and access to work and healthcare.
In March 2023, the Government Offices funded the IOM to conduct a survey. The survey aimed to understand how adult Ukrainian citizens with residence permits under the Temporary Protection Directive perceive their lives in Sweden. The goal was to better understand the challenges Ukrainian refugees face, including any barriers to entering the Swedish labour market. The Government would then use this information as valuable background material. The survey included questions about the participants’ living situations, backgrounds, future plans, and experiences living in Sweden.
The survey provides important data for identifying future long-term solutions for Ukrainians who have fled to Sweden. It reveals positive developments in almost all comparable parameters. For example, 66% of working-age people state that they participate in the labour market, up from 56% since last year. In addition, 47% stated they could speak Swedish, compared to 26% last year. More than half say they talk to Swedish well or very well.
“The report’s results are generally positive and indicate that many Ukrainians have managed to integrate well into Swedish society. They also indicate that the Government’s targeted efforts have produced results,” said Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard.
In addition, the survey indicates that many Ukrainians are satisfied with their stay in Sweden and are grateful for Swedish support, but state that the population register is an obstacle. Since the Temporary Protection Directive has been extended for another year, many Ukrainians can now register as residents.
“I am also pleased that the Government has presented a bill to the Riksdag proposing that Ukrainians who have been granted residence permits with temporary protection can register as residents earlier than current regulations allow. The Government will continue supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians in Sweden by creating better living conditions and opportunities for them to establish themselves in the Swedish labour market,” added Minister Stenergard.
