From Sunday July 12, asylum seekers in Sweden will receive only two hours of general advice instead of full support from a public counsel. The rules also apply to unaccompanied minors and meet EU minimum requirements.
The new rules limit asylum seekers’ right to free counsel during processing at the Swedish Migration Agency. Previously a counsel supported the applicant throughout the process, averaging 10–13 hours.
Karin Ödquist Drackner at the Swedish Red Cross warns that the right has been sharply weakened. She says it risks making it harder for asylum seekers to present their protection needs.
Parliament approved the proposal in June. Viktor Wärnick (M) justified the decision by saying Sweden should stay close to EU minimum requirements to avoid pull factors. Ludvig Aspling (SD) argues the counsel is unnecessary because the Migration Agency has a duty to investigate.
The Swedish Bar Association has informed the government that the changes make it impossible for many lawyers to accept the assignments. Several have already declined new cases.
