Moving from Sweden to Iraq
What is it like to move from Sweden to the Kurdish region in Iraq? What can life look like for someone who returns, and what help can you receive?
Returnees share their stories
Returnees talk about their experiences and the support they have received. The films offer insight into what life in the Kurdish region of Iraq can be like.
"You get help from different organizations and your family always supports you" – Ahmed, Sulaymaniyah
"Before I returned, I had a plan for what I would do when I came back" – Diyar, Erbil
"Dad's job was important to him, they decided we should move back" – Reben, Erbil
If you are returning because you don't have a permit
If your asylum application has been rejected, you will receive help planning your journey from Sweden and reintegrating into society in Iraq. The Swedish Migration Agency supports you in Sweden. In Iraq, you will receive help from the organizations ETTC (The European Technology and Training Centre) and IOM (International Organization for Migration).
The films tell you about the support you can receive
There are various forms of support available to those who are returning. This can range from advice and help planning the trip to financial support that you can apply for from the Swedish Migration Agency.
Returning to Erbil – ETTC supports you during your initial period in your home country.
Returning to Sulaymaniyah – ETTC supports you during your initial period in your home country.
IOM provides you with a financial contribution and advice.
Contact your case officer to find out what support you specifically can receive.
Preparations in Sweden
To receive reintegration assistance via ETTC, you need to apply for the support from the Swedish Migration Agency before you leave Sweden. If your application is granted, ETTC will receive information that you are returning and will contact you.
IOM offers free and anonymous advice in your native language before you travel, for example, if you have questions about the security situation or if you want to talk about something that worries you before returning.
Upon arrival in Iraq
ETTC will be at the airport to welcome you. You will receive a welcome package with items that are useful during the first few days.
After you have arrived in Iraq, you can choose to contact IOM. Within a few days, you will attend an initial meeting where you will receive information about how IOM can help you and the amount of financial support you will receive, known as re-establishment support.
Advice and planning with ETTC
The first meeting with ETTC takes place at their office. You will go through the process and learn more about how you can use the reintegration assistance. This could be, for example, buying furniture, paying school fees, or starting a business.
The second meeting with ETTC takes place when you know how you want to use the support. You contact ETTC, and together you will create a plan for how you will use the reintegration assistance.
Read more about re-establishment support and reintegration assistance
If you are considering voluntary repatriation
Voluntary repatriation means that you have a permit to live in Sweden but have decided to move back to Iraq. If you wish to repatriate voluntarily, you can apply for a financial contribution, known as an repatriation grant.