Some countries are doing little to nothing to help Syrian refugees. Other countries are doing quite a bit. What many around the world do not know is Sweden has been going above and beyond. Facebook’s The Christian Left shared a story that reports Sweden was the first country in the EU to offer permanent residency to refugees from Syria. News agency TT/The Local reported in 2013:
The decision covers all asylum seekers from Syria who have been granted temporary residency in Sweden for humanitarian protection. They will now receive permanent residence permits, the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket) announced on Tuesday.
There is an assessment:
The assessment is based on whether a person has an individual or general need for protection. As the situation in Syria has deteriorated and is now “extreme and marked by general violence” with no solution in sight, the agency has judged the poor security situation in Syria to be permanent.
They will also have the right to bring their families to Sweden.
And they can bring their families. How amazing is that?
In 2012 and 2013, a total of 14,700 Syrian asylum seekers came to Sweden. Together with Germany, Sweden is the EU country which has accepted the highest number of asylum seekers from the war-torn country.
In its statement, the Migration Board warned that asylum seekers who may be guilty of war crimes or crimes against humanity for their actions in Syria would lose their right to be classified as refugees or in need of protection.
In July 2015, Sweden offered free bus passes to refugees to help them travel and prevent them from being and feeling isolated.
Here’s to Sweden and all the countries who show great compassion and humanitarianism towards their world neighbors. Many thoughts, prayers, and donations are going out to the suffering, sick, and dying Syrian refugees.
