A Handbook for Asylum seekers in sweden - Tema asyl & integration

three categories depending on the gravity of the offence: minor, normal and major.Generally speaking, a conviction for selling drugs automatically leads to aprison sentence. Foreign citizens in possession of any type of illegal drug may bearrested and expelled from the country.The minimum purchasing age for buying beer from food stores is 18 and 20years for buying other alcohol beverages at the ‘Systembolaget’ which is a stateownedenterprise and the only retail outlet that is allowed to sell alcoholic beveragesthat contain more than 3.5% alcohol. If you are under 25, you will probablyhave to present some proof of your age when buying. In bars and restaurants thelegal drinking age is 18. To buy alcohol on behalf of a minor is strictly forbidden.You must be 18 years of age or over to buy tobacco in shops. It is banned to smokein bars, cafes and restaurants, buses, trains and indeed all closed public areas.Public transport (kollektivtrafik)Public transport, including buses, commuter trains and the subway (in Stockholm)is available everywhere in Sweden and provides a convenient and fast wayto get around. Transportation is fairly inexpensive if you buy a 30-day pass. Passesare valid for unlimited travel on the local network such as the subway (T-bana),local buses and commuter trains. To get on the train and buses you need to havea valid ticket or a monthly pass. If a person is not found to be in possession ofa valid ticket/pass, the person pays a fine. There are special people who controltickets on trains/buses. It is recommended to have a valid ticket/pass if you wantto use the train/bus to avoid fines and other probable consequences for yourasylum request.Driving a car in SwedenYou are not allowed to drive with a limit of blood alcohol concentration above 0.02percent. It is best to avoid alcohol completely if driving. You can be prosecutedeven if you have drunk only the equivalent of less than a can of beer. Police makefrequent roadside spot checks. In Sweden wearing seatbelts are compulsory bothfront and rear. Children under 7 years old should be restrained in an approvedseat for children. It is illegal to use a rear facing child safety seat in a car that has apassenger airbag. The minimum driving age in Sweden is 18. According to drivinglicence regulations in Sweden, asylum seekers can drive using a valid driving licencefrom their home country while waiting for a decision on their asylum applicationand for one more year when a residence permit is granted. Before starting driving itis advisable to contact Vägverket (Swedish National Road Administration) and seeif your driving licence is valid. Remember that to be able to drive in winter requiresspecial knowledge and skill which you might not have.42 | Asylum RECEPTION in FOCUS