What is a Quota Refugee?

A quota refugee is a person who has fled their home country and has been selected by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for resettlement in another country. This process is known as resettlement. Most quota refugees are relocated from areas bordering crises and conflict zones. Resettlement is becoming an increasingly important measure to prevent people from risking their lives in attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

Sweden’s refugee quota aims to help resolve protracted refugee situations that risk becoming permanent. It can also provide quick protection to individuals in vulnerable situations.

Source: Migrationsverket

How does it work?

The programme lasts 6 months with the requirement of 1 in-person
meeting per month and encouraging chat or phone contact
every other week.

Each Community Support group consists of 3–4 established
Swedes and 1–2 newly arrived families/individuals.
Volunteers receive training consisting of two sessions.

The first meeting takes place near the family’s residence and is
facilitated by Kompis Sverige. Activities are low-threshold and
can include coffee meetups, walks, park visits, museums
or group events.

Kompis Sverige provides ongoing support throughout the programme, helping with planning
and communication. We do regular follow-ups with volunteers,
encouraging active participation.

Evaluation after 6 months, separately for volunteers and families.
Participants are encouraged to continue meeting beyond the program. 

The Hamoud Family’s Journey with Community Support

The Hamoud family, quota refugees from Syria, were matched with volunteers Sofia, Sam and Fanny through Kompis Sverige’s Community Support program. This initiative has provided them with essential support in their integration, helping them gain confidence and improve their language skills.

With the volunteers’ encouragement, mother Asmaa has become more independent, feeling more comfortable exploring her new city, participating in activities and even learning how to ride a bike. Her daughter Hiba, who previously felt uncertain about the future, has now set concrete goals such as obtaining a driver’s license, improving her Swedish skills and beginning studies to become a nurse.

The value of working in a group has been highlighted by the volunteers, who have been able to offer broader and more sustainable support together.

Through the program the family has had the chance to meet new people, practice Swedish in everyday situations and take part in different aspects of society. Kompis Sverige provides ongoing support throughout the process, offering guidance and helping to facilitate communication between participants.

Before, I had no goals. But now, after meeting these three, I feel like I have to do something – now I have goals. They talk to me, cheer me on, and tell me that I can do anything.

_{– Hiba, daughter in the family}