The research project has followed a group of young Afghans who came to Scandinavia as unaccompanied minors, primarily in 2015 during the so-called European ‘migration and refugee crisis’. Those who had already received a negative decision on their asylum claim by the time they turned 18, went from being children under the care of the authorities to becoming deportable adults. Many chose to leave Sweden and Norway to seek refuge in countries like France.  

‘For young people, turning 18 and, with that, crossing the border into legal adulthood, became a dividing line that closed doors rather than opened them. This had consequences for both their rights and their care situation. They were no longer protected as children, but neither were they given access to an adult life with security, stability and opportunities. In this way, what is meant to become an adult was redefined. As adults, moreover, those in Sweden who lived in foster families also lost their place with these, and it was not unusual for them to become homeless. Yet several of them managed to graduate from upper secondary school. As adults refused asylum, it meant that they risked deportation,’ says Moa Nyamwathi Lønning, postdoc at the Department of Anthropology and project manager of ComAge.

Demonstrated enormous endurance
The study, which is based on ethnographic fieldwork across three years, shows that the young people demonstrated enormous endurance as they strove to build a sustainable future despite great uncertainty and insecurity. Many had strong attachments to Scandinavia, where they had spent their formative years, but at the same time experienced a growing disillusionment with the asylum system. This should be seen in light of the increasingly restrictive political response following the high number of people seeking asylum during the so-called migration and refugee crisis – a reaction characterised by a focus on minimum standards, temporariness and return.

‘The young men in my research had lived in Scandinavia between two and nine years. Many did not migrate onwards until they had exhausted all legal channels and lost hope that their situations would improve. In France, Paris was the first stop and often included a period in a makeshift camp. The young men’s lives were once again turned upside down. Still, they strove to find a way forward. Despite great uncertainty, they demonstrated enormous endurance, creativity and adaptability in their strive to clear paths towards their aspired futures and their vision of a good life. They have worked hard in the new countries to learn the language, find work and pursue educational programmes. Their need for protection has also been recognised – many have been granted refugee status according to the 1951 Geneva Convention,’ says Moa Nyamwathi Lønning.

17 of the 31 research participants had their asylum applications classified under the Dublin procedure in France. This meant that they had to report regularly to the authorities and risked being detained and returned to Norway or Sweden. Still, only one was sent back. He fled again. A few migrated onwards to Spain and Ireland during this period. The remaining 14 participants went through a regular asylum process in France. Except for one, who is awaiting the outcome of his asylum application, all have been granted a residence permit.

According to Moa Nyamwathi Lønning, the research results underline that despite the EU’s goal of a Common European Asylum System, protection needs are still assessed differently from country to country. Afghan asylum seekers who have been refused asylum in Scandinavia are in many instances granted international protection in other EU countries, which according to her point to a fundamental inconsistency in Europe’s migration policy.

Behind the research results

• Research project: ‘Transitions to adulthood in a context of migration: From unaccompanied minors in Scandinavia to refuge seeking young adults in France’ (ComAge)
• Type of study: Research article
• Method: Ethnographic fieldwork (2022-2024)
• External collaborators: University of Inland Norway
• External funding: Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) European Commission
• Link to scientific article:
  https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2025.2473622

Contact

Moa Nyamwathi Lønning, Postdoc
Department of Anthropology
School of Culture and Society
Aarhus University
Mail: moa@cas.au.dk
Phone: +47 9580 3603