Preserving the voice of the affected

– the influence of residency status on refugees perceptions and choices in a time of disagreement revolving migration policy

In the scientific literature, it is well-known that nation-states have developed different regulations and approaches towards refugees. On the one hand, some nation-states have introduced restrictive regulatory frameworks relying on temporary residency permits and visas. On the other hand, other states have introduced more inclusive approaches in which individuals are granted permanent residency. But how does residence status influence individuals' perceptions and choices in their new society and how does it affect a sustainable process of inclusion?

From a theoretical perspective, there are advocates for both of the above approaches. There are also studies in current research that use statistics to investigate the link between residence permits and, for example, work and studies. However, the voices of refugees' regarding their choices, motives and experiences about housing, work and family life are lacking. This material became suddenly more urgent to preserve after the national election and publication of scientific reports in the autumn of 2018.

Our project aims to increase knowledge regarding these issues by gathering data about the choices and experiences of refugees' in Sweden. The individuals in our sample have, as a result of the introduction of the temporary migration law, been allocated different types of residence permits. It is urgent to collect the material as the circumstances that exist during autumn 2019 will not reappear again.

Project start

2019-04-01

Funding

Formas

Researchers

Irene Molina, professor, IBF (project manager)
Emma Holmqvist, researcher, IBF 

Key words

Residence status, inclusion process, temporary migration law