Many refugees today live in a paradoxical reality, characterized by temporary legal status even as the conflict in their home country becomes increasingly protracted. A new study from Delmi will examine how Ukrainian refugees in Sweden, living under the EU's Temporary Protection Directive, navigate this so-called 'dilemma of waiting' through various forms of mobility, relationships, and networks to counteract economic and social vulnerability.
The study challenges traditional notions of refugees being anchored to a single geographical location during their period of exile. Instead, it highlights how translocal and transnational mobility, as well as relationships in Sweden, the home country, and other nations, are used to manage vulnerability and dependency. The focus lies on how refugees actively maintain livelihood strategies in two or more countries simultaneously.
Key research questions include: How does temporary residence status shape refugees' long-term life strategies? To what extent, and in what ways, are mobility and relationships/networks used as tools? How do these strategies differ across various categories—such as gender, age, time in exile, education level, and place of residence?
By illuminating the advantages and disadvantages of navigating multiple geographical contexts simultaneously, the study provides vital insights for the political debate on temporary residence permits and repatriation. The objective is to demonstrate if and how refugees' own networks and mobility patterns can serve as components in resolving protracted displacement situations.
The report is expected to be presented in the spring of 2027.
The report is written by Måns Fellesson and Sandra Karlsson, Research Coordinators at Delmi.
Photo: Hannah Lindahl via Unsplash.
