Newly arrived refugee parents in Sweden and their experience of the resettlement process: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims: The Swedish public support system for the integration and establishment of newly arrived refugees includes an individualized introduction plan, containing language, civic and health information classes. As the plan requires active involvement, the simultaneous establishment of childcare and school start for children risks creating additional challenges and frustrations. The aim of the study was to explore the experience of adjustment among newly arrived refugee parents in the resettlement process, so as to understand how this risk may be mitigated. Methods: This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted with 24 Syrian refugee parents participating in the resettlement process and having received asylum status. Results: Parents experienced stress due to long waiting times for residence permits and the struggle to find stable housing. The parents established themselves by enrolling in language studies and looking for employment. They also faced challenges adjusting socially since they were mainly meeting people from their own country and, therefore, felt excluded from the Swedish society. Conclusions: The parents describe the experiences of having escaped from a war-torn country and arrived in new surroundings as mainly challenging for their current situation. Feelings of uncertainty arise as families struggle with daily life while waiting for residence permits, finding stable housing, learning a language and adjusting to new social circumstances. Having this in mind, we conclude that this group of refugees is exposed to health risks in the near future and, as such, is in need of additional support.