Thematic studies and national reports published in 2023

In 2023, EMN published a comparative study on the integration of asylum seekers into the labour markets in EMN Member Countries. Here you will find a brief description of the study and the national report, as well as other useful materials. An EMN inform and an EMN Flash summarise the results and conclusions of the comparative European study.

EMN study on the integration of asylum seekers into the labour markets of EMN Member Countries

The EMN study “Integration of applicants for international protection in the labour market” examines the situation in 24 EMN Member Countries between 2017 and 2022. It highlights similarities and differences within the EU, as well as the policies and measures in place to facilitate and promote the integration of asylum seekers into the labour market. It also discusses challenges and best practices in this area from a European perspective.

EMN Sweden presents a national report

Among other things, the national report shows that measures are in place aimed at facilitating asylum seekers' entry into the labour market. An exemption allows asylum seekers to start working shortly after submitting their applications. Employers are obliged to notify the Swedish Migration Agency when they hire an asylum seeker. There have been instances of abuse/exploitation where asylum seekers have come with the primary aim of working. The Swedish Migration Agency has addressed these challenges by introducing certain security measures, including digitally encoding the right to work on Asylum Seeker cards (in Swedish: LMA-kort). Good examples include Swedish language courses and projects aimed at preparing highly qualified individuals for the labour market and teaching them professional Swedish.

LMA stands for the “Act on the Reception of Asylum Seekers” (in Swedish: Lagen om mottagande av asylsökande). An LMA card shows that a person is an asylum seeker and has the right to be in Sweden while awaiting a decision.