LIVING BEHIND A GLASS WALL - Living Conditions of Undocumented Immigrants in Sweden

This explorative qualitative study is focused on the living conditions of undocumented migrants in Sweden. It reviews the conditions of their flight and the asylum procedures. The material wellbeing and social situation of these people are reviewed as well as the reasons behind their extended stay in Sweden. Their active will is then discussed in terms of human agency and self efficacy. Undocumented migrants come legally or illegally in Sweden, many through difficult routes. The majority of the undocumented migrants are rejected asylum seekers who have spent many years in asylum procedures. They present a strong will and persistence in their endeavors to survive and achieve their goals. Being illegal is considered a way for classifying people in the society in this thesis. This label not only limits the access to resources and social support systems, but also represents how respectable the person can be. Legal status can have profound effects in the social life and family relations of individuals. Undocumented migrants are systematically deprived from access to most services including health care in Sweden. They face economic hardships in lack of any support system and labour rights. Social networks consist a valuable social capital for these people and in many cases is the only way of survival. Most of undocumented migrants have a fear of return in spite of being rejected for asylum. They prefer their hidden life style in Sweden to return to a place which is associated with fear and unrest for them. These people are present in a society in which they have no share, much like watching the rest of people behind a glass wall