More success for SULF!

On 29 April, the Swedish parliament unanimously adopted new provisions on improvements for doctoral candidates and researchers into the Aliens Act. At the same time, the scope for students from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland to work alongside their studies was limited to 15 hours per week.

The way previous proposals had been worded, this restriction would not have applied to employed doctoral candidates, but it would have applied once such employment had ended. This would have prevented a doctoral candidate from working more than 15 hours after their doctoral studies had been completed. The same problem would have affected other students after graduation.

Now that the government has decided on new provisions in the Aliens Ordinance, it is clear that it has listened to the views of SULF. The union has worked in a variety of ways to find solutions to these issues, from written consultation responses and opinion pieces in the media to direct contact with politicians. We are pleased that the government has taken our criticism on board and made the necessary changes.

The Aliens Ordinance now states that anyone with a residence permit for doctoral studies is generally exempt from the restriction of a maximum of 15 hours’ work per week. In addition, an exemption applies to other students who have graduated, as well as for work during the period June to August, work at the university, other work related to their studies and student union work.

A further exemption applies to people who have applied for a permanent residence permit within the validity period of a residence permit that counts towards qualification for a permanent residence permit, (for example, a permit for doctoral studies, research or work).

This means that doctoral candidates may freely take up other work after completing their doctoral studies before their current residence permit has expired, even before a new residence permit has been granted. As a result, they should have no problems regarding eligibility for unemployment benefit during such a period. Furthermore, people who have completed studies at a level below doctoral level may work freely after graduation if a new permit, for purposes other than continuing studies at a level below doctoral level, has been applied for in time.

Additionally, from 11 June, doctoral candidates may also be granted a residence permit for research, and there will be no restrictions on the right to work in such cases.