EMN-OECD joint inform on the evolution of support for individuals covered by the Temporary Protection Directive

The EMN-OECD*’s joint inform “Responsibilities and access to rights for beneficiaries of temporary protection” provides an overview of national policy developments, as well as proposed and adopted legislative amendments regarding the access to rights and responsibilities of beneficiaries of temporary protection (BoTP) under the Temporary Protection Directive. The report contains contributions from 26 EMN Member Countries, including Norway and Serbia, as well as selected OECD countries, and covers the period July 2023 – March 2025. The inform also describes the opportunities for individuals to transition from their temporary protection status to alternative national residence permits. In this article, we provide a summary of the current situation in Sweden.

Background

On 4 March 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Temporary Protection Directive was activated for the first time. The Directive enabled access to work, housing, education, healthcare and social support for people granted temporary protection. The Directive has since been extended and is now valid until 4 March 2027. During this period, EMN and OECD countries have adjusted the scope of the support whilst discussions have been held at national and EU levels regarding future long-term solutions.

Overview of situation in EMN Countries

With regard to the possibility of transitioning to other forms of residence permits, 17 EMN Member and Observer Countries, including Sweden, have not introduced legislative amendments or programmes to facilitate this transition. In these countries, BoTP may instead apply for alternative national residence permits on the same terms as other third-country nationals.

At the same time, discussions on future long-term solutions are ongoing in seven EMN member countries, including Sweden. What happens when temporary protection status ceases, and what options might be available to allow BoTP to transition to alternative residence permits?

New initiatives often focus on strengthening labour market integration and social inclusion, particularly for people who are already established in the labour market with a certain degree of self-reliance. Adjustments to benefit entitlements are increasingly linked to active participation in work, education or integration activities.

Overview of situation in Sweden

Sweden provides access to the rights set out in the Temporary Protection Directive, such as housing, the labour market, education, healthcare as well as social assistance and welfare. BoTP are covered by the same rights as asylum seekers until they are registered in the Swedish Population Register as stated in the Act on the Reception of Asylum Seekers, which means that the right to accommodation and financial support is administered by the Swedish Migration Agency. During this period, they are also entitled to medical and dental care, which shall include at least emergency care and essential treatment of illness , whilst children are entitled to education without compulsory schooling.

Nowadays, BoTP can obtain a personal registration number in Sweden. Registration in the population register means that the individual leaves the Migration Agency’s reception system and instead gains access to the same rights as residents of Sweden. In July 2024, the government permitted registration in the population register after two years in Sweden, a period which was reduced to one year from 1 November 2024. This enabled more people to register in the population register and gain access to, amongst other things, education, labour market support, financial assistance, healthcare and social security benefits. At the same time, certain benefits were restricted for people who registered in the population register after this date.

In Sweden, discussions are underway regarding certain issues that include the design of a voluntary return programme, once temporary protection period ends. Those participating in such a programme could be eligible for a residence permit of up to two years, referred to as a “residence permit after temporary protection.”

Selected figures for Sweden

Statistics for the period 24 February 2022 to 1 August 2025 show that 302 BoTP have transitioned to a different residence status. Of these, 12 people were granted international protection, 123 obtained EU/EEA citizenship, 23 were granted residence permits on the basis of family reunification, 8 for study purposes and 136 for work. By the end of June 2025, there is an estimated number of 44 310 BoTP in Sweden.

*OECD stands for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.