Papperslösas hinder och begränsningar för vård och stöd vid mental ohälsa: En kvalitativ studie utifrån yrkesverksammas perspektiv i det svenska samhället

Abstract

Regardless of nationality or legal status, human rights apply to all individuals everywhere. However, undocumented people living in Sweden without a permit to stay in the country, are having a difficult time gaining access to basic human rights, such as the right to health care. Due to their irregular status, they often live under harsh conditions with fear of being deported. These are factors that causes undocumented to live outside of the society and outside of the safety net that entails being a Swedish citizen. This further contributes to major negative effects on their well-being and mental health. The current legislation for rights to health care for undocumented in Sweden suggests “treatment that cannot be deferred”. This is problematic in several ways and especially when it comes to mental health care, following current national and global stigmatization of mental illness. Due to the vulnerable situation of the undocumented in the Swedish society, which is affecting their daily life and well-being, the need to ensure proper mental health care is of importance. Through interviews with professionals in the field working daily with undocumented people, this thesis aims to broaden the understanding of undocumented people’s situation in Sweden and the challenges to access mental health care. The thesis is based on empirical collected material using a theoretical framework that includes social networks, cultural competency and the role of citizenship. Results show that barriers, such as structural violence, fear, financial difficulties and lack of cultural awareness, as well as lack of knowledge about undocumented rights within the health care system, are prominent and profound. To ensure equal and good mental health care for undocumented in Sweden, the need for deepened knowledge, awareness and improved legislation are important. Attention and an increased awareness for the situation of the undocumented in the Swedish society is vital for every person’s equal right to health and to assure that human rights applies to all.