The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II, with more than three million people being forced to flee Ukraine. At a press conference on 30 March, Sweden's Minister for Migration reported that just over 21 000 people from Ukraine have applied for a residence permit in Sweden since 24 February. This means that overall numbers of arrivals are on track to exceed the main scenario produced by Swedish Migration Agency, which predicted that 76 000 people fleeing Ukraine would seek protection in Sweden by the end of June 2022.

Another scenario from the agency, though, predicts that the number could reach as high as 212 000 people. In 2015, the last time there was a large wave of displaced people fleeing into Europe, 163 000 people applied for asylum in Sweden. This new wave could therefore potentially be the largest asylum and integration challenge that Sweden has ever faced. 

The Swedish government has outlined a number of initiatives to facilitate the the arrival and integration of those displaced from Ukraine, under the Temporary Protective Directive: 

• County administrative boards were asked to organise emergency accommodation ("evakueringsboenden"), and 74 000 places have been arranged. The Swedish Migration Board is also setting up temporary accommodation, such as tents.
• An amendment to the Planning and Building Act has been proposed, in order to speed up the building of new housing units. 
• The "A safe start in Sweden" governmental initiative will be expanded, to better facilitate the reception of refugees arriving from Ukraine. 
• The state will cover the costs associated with the reception of new arrivals from Ukraine. Thus far, it has set aside SEK 9.8 billion for the Swedish Migration Board, SEK 500 million in temporary grants for municipalities, and SEK 30 million for municipalities' collaboration with civil society.
• Direct support - in the form of SEK 100 million - has been set aside to promote the work of civil society, which plays an important role in the reception of newcomers and their integration.