Challenge

Challenge 3: “Transition Period”

Background

The first months of refugees in Sweden determine to a large extent who they will be for the rest of their staying in Sweden. Those first months are as well the most delicate in terms of things they need to do, administratively and socially.

Administratively, the hurdles in the way of refugees, drive them to paths where they are neither valued or valuable. Long waiting times for residence permit are a reason for them not been employable, or able to follow an education, strengthen their skill etc...

In the need of better life quality, social and personal relevance, some of them enter in the black market to find money-making opportunities, and some become irreversibly a burden on Sweden instead of an asset that can help. Refugees suffer also from a very wrong social perception. Swedes in general and employers in particular have a wrong image of who is a refugee. It is always thought that refugees are a homogeneous group with similar backgrounds and same goals. While in reality, refugees are very diverse, demographically and in terms of their professional skills.

Problems

• Today, it takes approximately two years to get a residence permit.
• During this period the refugees lead a life of professional and educational inactivity that disempower them and can lead them to bad paths.
• Swedes do not see refugees as a diverse group with competences.
• Refugee do not feel useful during the time they are waiting for residence permit. Their lives stop.

Key Factors

• The government can’t do everything, but at least they can create opportunities/remove barriers for private sector to act.
• Be open with information and data, collecting and sharing.
• Connecting to the refugees, reaching everyone who comes to Sweden and take their hand to understand and get inserted in the Swedish.
• Social media.

Consideration

• Legislations.
• Spreading info about initiatives, services.

Aim

• To create conditions for asylum seekers to work, use their skills and develop them.

Key Actors

• Migrationsverket, arbetsförmedlingen
• Private actors
  • Banks
  • Recruitment agencies
  • Employers - private & public
  • Intermediaries (grass roots, apps, independent movements

Success Measurement

How many refugees did we help, get a job, internships, educations.