Sweden Cuts Legal Support for Asylum Seekers Amid EU Pact Implementation

Starting Sunday, July 11, 2026, asylum seekers in Sweden will face a significant reduction in legal support as the government shifts from full legal assistance to only two hours of general legal advice, with an extension of up to three hours in special cases. This change is part of Sweden's adjustment to the EU migration and asylum pact, following legislation passed on June 9, shortly after the pact's enforcement on June 12. The new regulations limit the involvement of public counsel in asylum cases, curbing their ability to engage deeply with individual circumstances.

This move has sparked criticism from legal experts and advocacy groups. Karin Ödquist Drackner, a migration law expert at the Swedish Red Cross, condemned the reform as a severe weakening of individual rights, particularly worrying for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors. The Swedish Bar Association highlighted that public counsel previously spent between 10 to 13 hours per asylum seeker, a level of support the new rules make impossible to maintain.

Politically, the changes have supporters. Viktor Wärnick (M), chair of the social insurance committee, defended the reform, emphasizing Sweden’s aim to align with EU law and reduce its attractiveness as a migration destination. Similarly, Ludvig Aspling (SD) argued that the role of public counsel is unnecessary given that the Migration Agency carries out investigative duties.

The backdrop to these changes includes the historical refugee crisis of 2015, when Sweden saw over 160,000 asylum seekers arrive amid conflicts in Syria and the Middle East. The crisis revealed limitations in local capacities and shifted Sweden’s political stance on immigration, with parties adjusting policies partly due to pressure from the Sweden Democrats (SD).

Advocates warn that restricting legal support may hinder asylum seekers’ ability to effectively present their protection needs, potentially impacting fair outcomes in asylum procedures. As Sweden enforces these stricter rules, the balance between complying with EU mandates and safeguarding individual rights remains a contentious and evolving issue.