Best Asylum Lawyers in Borgholm

About Asylum Law in Borgholm, Sweden

Asylum in Borgholm follows Swedish national law and European Union standards. The Swedish Migration Agency handles applications, interviews, decisions, and reception for asylum seekers. Although you live in Borgholm Municipality on the island of Öland, the asylum process itself is centralized and you will usually need to travel to a Migration Agency office for registration, interviews, and certain appointments. Municipal and regional bodies in Kalmar County provide schooling for children, limited health care for asylum seekers, and some local services while your case is pending.

Sweden grants protection mainly in two categories. Refugee status is for those with a well founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Subsidiary protection is for people at risk of serious harm such as death penalty, torture, or serious threat due to armed conflict. In rare situations, residence permits can be issued on humanitarian grounds, with special consideration for the best interests of children.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you present your case clearly, organize evidence, explain what facts are most important, and protect your rights throughout the process. Many asylum cases turn on credibility assessments and country of origin information. Legal guidance is valuable when preparing for the main interview, responding to doubts raised by the Migration Agency, or when new evidence appears after the interview. If your case involves the Dublin rules about which EU country is responsible, legal advice can be crucial for deadlines and objections.

You also may need a lawyer if you receive a negative decision and want to appeal to the Migration Court, if you are detained or placed under supervision, if there is an age assessment for an unaccompanied child, or if you seek family reunification after being granted protection. A lawyer can advise on work while waiting, the conditions for permanent residence after extensions, and how to request a re examination when new circumstances arise.

Local Laws Overview

The Swedish Aliens Act sets out who qualifies for protection, the procedures, and your rights while your case is pending. Key points include the right to apply for asylum on Swedish territory, the right to be heard with an interpreter, confidentiality rules, and the right to a publicly funded legal counsel in most asylum cases. Adults seeking asylum are normally entitled to necessary health and dental care that cannot be postponed, maternity care, and some preventive services. Children under 18 have the right to the same health and dental care as other children in the region. In Borgholm and the wider area this care is provided by Region Kalmar County.

The Migration Agency can provide accommodation and a modest daily allowance if you need it. You can arrange your own housing, but you must keep your address updated. Schooling is available to asylum seeking children through Borgholm Municipality. You may be allowed to work while your case is examined if you meet the exemption from the work permit requirement, often called AT UND, which typically requires that you have proven your identity or made reasonable efforts to do so, and that any delay is not your fault.

Sweden applies the Dublin system, which can transfer a case to another EU or associated country if that country is responsible under the rules, for example due to a prior application or fingerprint registration. Most first instance decisions can be appealed to a Migration Court, usually within 3 weeks, and you can ask the court to stop enforcement while the appeal is examined. Detention decisions are subject to legal safeguards and review. After receiving a time limited residence permit, you may later apply for an extension and eventually permanent residence if you meet the legal criteria, such as being able to support yourself and living an orderly life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start an asylum application if I live in Borgholm

You must register your application with the Swedish Migration Agency. Initial registration and the main asylum interview take place at Migration Agency facilities, which are not in Borgholm. You will be given an appointment and may need to travel. If you are stopped by the police at the border or inland and you say that you want to seek asylum, you will be directed to the Migration Agency to lodge the application.

What happens after I apply

You will be photographed and fingerprinted, and your identity and travel history will be checked. If Dublin rules may apply, the Agency will investigate that first. You will then have a detailed interview about your reasons for seeking protection. After the interview, the Agency may request more information. A decision follows in writing. If negative, you will receive instructions about appeal rights and deadlines.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether Dublin rules apply, the need for additional evidence, and overall workload. Some cases are prioritized, such as those involving children or detention. You can ask your lawyer about current timelines, but expect that it can take several months or longer.

Can I work while my case is pending

Many asylum seekers can work under the AT UND exemption from a work permit if certain conditions are met, commonly showing your identity or that you tried to do so and that delays are not your fault. The Migration Agency decides whether you have AT UND and can issue proof of this. If you receive a final refusal, the right to work usually ends.

What support can I get while waiting

You may receive accommodation arranged by the Migration Agency and a daily allowance if you do not have your own means. If you choose to live in your own housing, you must inform the Agency of your address and any changes. Adults have a right to health care that cannot be postponed and children have full access to health and dental care under regional rules. Children can attend school in Borgholm.

Can I choose to live in Borgholm during my case

You can live in your own accommodation in Borgholm if you arrange it yourself and report the address to the Migration Agency. If you rely on Agency accommodation, you will be placed where housing is available, which may be outside Borgholm.

Will I get a lawyer and an interpreter

In most asylum cases, a public counsel is appointed and paid by the state. You can suggest a specific lawyer, and the Agency decides on appointment. You have the right to an interpreter in a language you understand at interviews and during important communications. Interpreters must be impartial.

What if my application is refused

You can appeal to the Migration Court, usually within 3 weeks from the date you were informed of the decision. The court can stop removal while it considers the case if you request it and meet the criteria. If your appeal is rejected and you later have new circumstances that could change the outcome, you can ask the Migration Agency for a re examination based on new impediments to enforcement. It is important to act within deadlines.

Can my family join me if I get protection

Family reunification is possible for certain close family members if you are granted a residence permit. There is usually an income and housing requirement for the sponsor in Sweden, with limited exemptions in some cases. Family members generally apply from outside Sweden. A lawyer can explain who qualifies and what documents are needed.

What documents should I provide

Provide any identity documents such as passports, national IDs, birth or marriage certificates, military papers, and any evidence supporting your story, like summonses, medical records, police reports, threats, or photos. If you cannot get documents, explain clearly why and provide as much detail as possible about your identity and your route to Sweden.

Additional Resources

The Swedish Migration Agency is the national authority for registration, interviews, decisions, and reception for asylum seekers. The Migration Courts and the Migration Court of Appeal handle appeals. The Swedish Bar Association maintains a register of licensed lawyers. Region Kalmar County provides health services for asylum seekers, and Borgholm Municipality handles schooling for children and local social services for residents and those placed in the municipality.

Non governmental organizations can offer guidance and support. The Swedish Red Cross provides psychosocial support and information. The Swedish Refugee Law Center offers legal information to asylum seekers. Child focused organizations can assist in cases involving minors. The UN Refugee Agency has an office for the Nordic and Baltic countries that provides general information on international protection standards.

For integration after a permit, the Public Employment Service administers introduction plans and programs, while the County Administrative Board of Kalmar County coordinates settlement and supports municipalities. Always verify current office locations and contact details before visiting, as these can change.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance, start by requesting appointment of a public counsel in your asylum case and consider proposing a lawyer with asylum experience. Gather all available identity documents and any evidence that supports your reasons for seeking protection. Write a clear, chronological timeline of events with dates, places, and names. Keep your contact details updated with the Migration Agency so you receive letters and decisions.

Prepare for your interview by reviewing your story with your lawyer, focusing on key facts and consistency. Attend all appointments on time and bring originals and copies of documents. If you receive a negative decision, contact your lawyer immediately to discuss an appeal and ask the court to stop removal if appropriate. If new circumstances arise later, ask about a re examination. If you are detained or supervised, request to speak with your lawyer without delay. Throughout the process, use the health care and school services available in Borgholm and Kalmar County, and reach out to reputable organizations for practical support.