Sweden

The Swedish Migration Board has posted the following information for LGBTQ asylum seekers.

If you have a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of your sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity or other membership in a certain social group, you may be a refugee and have the right to protection in Sweden. This is stated in the Refugee Convention, Swedish law and EU rules.

Asylum application and rules

Persecution can be threats or violence against your life or health. It can also be about laws and regulations or people’s views that mean that you are subjected to serious violations because of your sexual orientation. It can be, for example, punishment or extensive discrimination such as not being able to go to school, choose a job or receive healthcare.

The right to express yourself and engage politically without fear of persecution regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation are also examples of what can give you the right to stay in Sweden.

It does not matter whether the persecution comes from the authorities of your home country or if your family or other people threaten you. The Swedish Migration Board will then investigate what could happen to you if you return to your home country in the future and whether the authorities there are unable or unwilling to protect you against the persecution that you say you are at risk of.

The Swedish Migration Board will register you as an asylum seeker with the name, date of birth and legal gender that appears on your identity documents. Swedish law does not allow us to register you with a different name, but if you wish to use a different address or pronoun, you should tell us so that we can make a note of this.

Investigation

When the Swedish Migration Board decides whether you need protection and can therefore be granted a residence permit in Sweden, an investigation will be carried out with you to understand what your life has been like and why you are afraid of returning to your home country. If the reason is your sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity, it is important that you tell us as early as possible.

If you are under 18 years old

The Swedish Migration Board must listen to all children seeking asylum and find out whether the children need protection here. It is therefore important that you tell the Swedish Migration Board about your life in your home country and what you think would happen to you if you went back there. If you are under 18 and have guardians with you in Sweden, the Swedish Migration Board must ask them if we can talk to you without them being in the room. If you do not have your parents with you in Sweden, it is your guardian who decides whether we can talk to you alone. If you want to talk to your case officer without your parents or guardian, it is important that you say so.

The interpreter

Words and concepts in Swedish and your own language can mean different things. The most important thing is that you describe your own feelings and experiences and explain how they relate to why you are afraid.

If you do not understand the interpreter or if you think the interpreter may not be translating everything you say impartially, you should speak up. Also, keep in mind that the interpreter may not always know the specific words used to talk about sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. It may therefore be a good idea to also explain to the interpreter what the words you are using mean to you.

Accommodation

In most of the Swedish Migration Board’s accommodation, two or more people of the same gender share a room. The wait during the asylum process can make the accommodation situation stressful and conflicts can arise in the accommodation.

It is important that you tell us as soon as possible about what you need or if you feel unsafe where you live. If there are problems in the accommodation that you need help solving, you must tell us. Speak to the caseworker at the reception unit or the staff at the accommodation where you are registered.

Health

In some cities there are clinics for, for example, sexual health and counselling for specific target groups. Examples of target groups could be women, young people or LGBTQ people. Ask your caseworker for more information.

Voluntary organizations

You always have the right to contact voluntary organisations during the asylum process for advice and support. The more information you have about your rights and possible options, the better prepared you are for the different stages of the asylum process. RFSL is one such voluntary organisation that works for LGBTQ rights, providing special support and social meeting places for LGBTQ asylum seekers.

RFSL NewcomersLink to another website, opens in a new window.

RFSL Youth, Newcomers youth

This blog originally appeared at EURONEWS.

By Amanda Kavanagh

Digital nomads are always seeking out new destinations that offer an ideal mix of affordability, high quality of life, convenient time zones, and reliable tech infrastructure.

While Lisbon has been a popular choice for international remote workers in recent years, this influx has contributed to rising rent prices. Additionally, some of the initiatives that initially attracted digital nomads are being rolled back by Portuguese authorities, such as the termination of the non-habitual tax residence (NHR) program.

With these changes, digital nomads are on the hunt for the next hot spot.

3 Jobs in Germany to Consider This Week:

Lackiermeister (m/w/d), Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, Fuldabrück
Abteilungsleiter Obst & Gemüse (m/w/d), REWE Deutscher Supermarkt, Schwerin
Account Manager (f/d/m), Leica Biosystems, Dulmen

New Destinations for Tech Workers

In March, New Zealand’s Trade & Enterprise, a government agency, released a report titled Tech Jobs in Europe. Originally aimed at helping New Zealand exporters understand top and emerging tech hubs across Europe, the report offers valuable insights for remote workers looking for their next destination. Although the data primarily comes from secondary sources, providing more general trends than definitive conclusions, it still offers a useful guide for digital nomads.

For most European cities, internet quality and time zone compatibility with European jobs are solid. That narrows the focus to two key considerations: quality of life and cost of living—both of which are analyzed in the report.

The report’s cost of living index compares the prices of consumer goods, such as groceries, dining, transportation, and utilities, relative to New York City. Meanwhile, the quality of life index considers factors like purchasing power, pollution levels, housing affordability, safety, healthcare quality, commute times, and climate conditions to estimate overall quality of life.

Spain

Spain emerges as an attractive option for digital nomads, offering the lowest cost of living index among the countries studied, paired with the third-highest quality of life index, and, of course, abundant sunshine. The report highlights several Spanish cities, including Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.

Barcelona, known for its dynamic start-up scene and vibrant nightlife, has long been a favorite among digital nomads. However, its struggles with over-tourism have been well-documented, and expats may not always receive the warmest welcome.

Valencia is quickly becoming a favorite among remote workers. This coastal city offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Barcelona or Madrid, yet still boasts excellent infrastructure and a high quality of life. With its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, Valencia is the perfect place for those who prioritize work-life balance.

For those who want to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and experience a vibrant nightlife, Madrid is the place to be. The city is a hub for the tech industry and has introduced a Start-up Law aimed at attracting entrepreneurs. This law also grants remote workers and freelancers from outside the European Union the right to stay in Spain for an initial period of one year, making Madrid an attractive option.

Up north, Bilbao offers a unique experience with its blend of traditional Basque culture and incredible cuisine. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a more authentic and less touristy experience.

Sweden

Sweden stands out in both the cost of living and quality of life indexes, making it a compelling choice for digital nomads who are comfortable with the northern climate. The report highlights Malmö and Stockholm as key cities for tech and innovation, offering a dynamic environment for remote workers.

Stockholm has established itself as a major tech hub, with success stories like Spotify and Klarna originating from the city. It’s a magnet for those in the tech industry, offering a dynamic environment and ample opportunities.

However, Malmö is gaining attention as well. Just a short train ride from Copenhagen, Malmö provides a more affordable alternative to Stockholm while still offering a vibrant tech community and an excellent quality of life.

Italy

Who hasn’t been tempted by those enticing ads offering historic buildings in rural Italy for almost nothing?

Unfortunately, high-quality internet isn’t always a given in those rural areas. The New Zealand report, therefore, focuses on Milan, Turin, and Rome. These cities offer a relatively low cost of living, a moderate quality of life, and reliable internet speeds, making them more suitable for digital nomads.

While Rome’s historic charm is hard to resist, Milan is emerging as Italy’s top tech and business destination. Known for its fashion and design heritage, Milan is now also home to a growing start-up scene, with companies like Scalapay, a payment solution that lets customers make purchases in three interest-free installments, leading the charge.

Turin, often overlooked by tourists, is another Italian city worth considering. Known for its innovation, particularly in the automotive industry with brands like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and New Holland, Turin is now undergoing significant urban and industrial redevelopment. The city is positioning itself as a strategic center for excellence in the aerospace industry.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands boasts the highest quality of life index among the countries examined. While the cost of living is moderate, the overall appeal of the country remains strong for digital nomads. The report highlights cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam.

Amsterdam, with its iconic canals and progressive culture, has long been a favorite among tech workers. However, as housing prices in the capital continue to rise, other Dutch cities like Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives.

Utrecht, with its large student population and central location, provides a more relaxed alternative for digital nomads seeking a laid-back atmosphere. The Hague, renowned for its international organizations and stunning beaches, is particularly appealing to those in law, policy, or international relations.

Rotterdam, famous for its bustling port and ambitious plans to become Europe’s largest green hydrogen hub, is also gaining popularity. The city is known for its founder-led communities, a high concentration of start-ups, numerous incubators, and an abundance of coworking spaces, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

Germany

Germany strikes a good balance between cost of living and quality of life, making it an appealing choice for digital nomads. The report highlights Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich as key cities.

Berlin has long been a hotspot for digital nomads, celebrated for its affordable living costs and its vibrant arts and techno scene. However, as Berlin’s popularity grows, so do its living expenses, prompting many to explore other German cities.

Hamburg, with its rich maritime history, offers a unique flavor of German city life. The city is home to the carbon-neutral energy systems provider and unicorn 1KOMMA5°, along with several innovative and high-profile tech companies in biotech, health tech, and fintech sectors.

3 More Jobs to Apply for This Week:

Senior Project Manager (m/f/d), Cytiva, Darmstadt
Regional Sales Manager Germany Central (f/m/d), Beckman Coulter, Diagnostics, Frankfurt
Frontend Developer, Jobbio, Dublin / Remote

Munich, though more expensive, makes up for it with a high quality of life, close proximity to the Alps, and a robust job market. Known traditionally for its engineering prowess, Munich is now shifting its focus towards software engineering, with 11% of Germany’s total start-ups located in the city.

Category: Sweden

LGBTQ Refugees May Apply for Asylum in Sweden