Your right to an asylum seeker (LMA) card when you switch from asylum to a work permit

According to two new judgements by the Supreme Administrative Court, people who apply for a work permit after having their asylum application rejected (commonly referred to as “changing tracks”) continue to be entitled to support under the Act on Reception of Asylum Seekers. However, this does not necessarily mean that you are entitled to a daily allowance.

If you are an asylum seeker, you are entitled to financial support and accommodation under the Act on Reception of Asylum Seekers (LMA). Until now, the Swedish Migration Agency had interpreted the law to mean that people who apply for a work permit after their application for asylum has been rejected are not entitled to support under the LMA, because they are no longer asylum seekers.

The Swedish Migration Agency is now changing its interpretation, following two judgements by the Supreme Administrative Court. This means that people who apply for a work permit after their asylum application is rejected (and their accompanying family members) continue to be entitled to support under the LMA.

Not everyone is entitled to financial support

The fact that a person is covered by the LMA does not automatically entitle them to financial support from the Swedish Migration Agency. You have the right to apply for financial support, but if you have an income, the Swedish Migration Agency may say no. If you earn the wages required to obtain a work permit, you are not entitled to a daily allowance or special allowance under the LMA.

If you receive a daily allowance, you must notify the Swedish Migration Agency if your financial situation changes, for example, if you start working. Failing to inform us about your income while receiving financial support from the Swedish Migration Agency can constitute benefit fraud.

Read more about financial support from the Swedish Migration Agency

If you earn wages, you must pay for your accommodation

If you live in accommodation provided by the Swedish Migration Agency and have an income, you must pay for the accommodation. If the Swedish Migration Agency finds out that you have had an income without telling us, you may have to pay for the accommodation retroactively.

Read how much you must pay for your accommodation

You get to keep your asylum seeker (LMA) card

As long as you are covered by the LMA, you can keep your asylum seeker (LMA) card. This means that you can continue to receive healthcare and buy medications under the same conditions as when you were waiting for a decision on your asylum application.