You have a permit in Sweden – Work You suspect that an employer is not following the rulesYou have a permit in Sweden – Work You suspect that an employer is not following the rules

There are employers in Sweden who are not following the rules. This may involve the employer letting their employees work under poor conditions or deceiving them. This may involve threats, false promises or the employees not being paid for their work. Sometimes it can be about more than the job – for example, being sexually exploited.

Examples of things that may indicate that an employer is violating the rules:

• Employees are forced to pay back part of their salary/wages.
• The employer requires employees to work without compensation.
• Employees work very long working hours.
• The work environment is dangerous or unhealthy and there is a lack of protective equipment.
• The employer employs people without a valid work permit.
• The employer wants employees to live at the workplace or share a small accommodation with several other people.

Sexual harassment and violence are always prohibited

All forms of sexual harassment are prohibited in Sweden, regardless of whether they occur in the workplace or elsewhere. This also applies to violence or threats of violence.

If you have been the victim of a crime, you can be granted a temporary residence and work permit

If you think you may have been the victim of a crime, you should contact the Police Authority. Their investigation officer can apply for a so-called “residence permit for a reflection period” for you. This residence permit is valid for 30 days. During that time, the police will find out whether you want to cooperate with them and other criminal investigation authorities. If the police investigation then leads to legal proceedings (in court), the investigation officer can apply for a so-called “residence permit as an evidence person” for you. This residence permit is valid for six months, but can be extended.

If your employer has not paid your salary

If you have not received your salary/wages or compensation and do not have the right to reside in Sweden, you can apply for a temporary residence permit to pursue the issue of unpaid salary in court. This requires that you first file a lawsuit, that is, submit an application to the court to have the matter heard.

Do you need further support?

There are various ways to get in touch if you are being or have been exploited at work, or if you suspect that an employer is not following the rules:

• The Police
  In urgent situations, or if you wish to report a crime, you can visit the police website, www.polisen.se External link..
  Call 112 if the situation is urgent. Call 114 14 for other matters.
• The Swedish Gender Equality Agency
  The Swedish Gender Equality Agency has regional coordinators. They are employed by social services and can help you contact the police, social services, healthcare or other support services.
  Contact details for the regional coordinator in your area can be found on the Swedish Gender Equality Agency’s website External link. (in Swedish).
• The 1177 healthcare advice line
  If you need information about healthcare or support for your health, you can find out more at www.1177.se External link. or call 1177. They are open 24 hours a day.
  Call 112 if your condition is life-threatening or requires urgent help.
• Your trade union
  If you are a member of a trade union, you can usually get support and advice from them. Most trade unions offer advice and, in some cases, legal assistance to their members. Contact your trade union for more information.

You can submit tips to the Swedish Migration Agency about employers

In order to be granted a work permit, a number of requirements must be met. The employer must pay a sufficiently high salary/wages and take out insurance for their employees. If your employer, or someone else's, does not provide their employees with the terms of employment they are entitled to, or violates the rules in another way, you can contact the Swedish Migration Agency.

The Swedish Migration Agency cooperates with other authorities to stop crimes in working life and abuse of the welfare system. If an employer violates the rules, you can also submit tips through our special tip function. You can remain anonymous.

Your tip can

• stop employers who exploit or take advantage of others
• protect others from ending up in the same situation
• help us detect crimes and abuse of our processes.

Submit tips to the Swedish Migration Agency