How do I get help from an interpreter in Sweden?

Understanding and being understood is crucial when you contact an authority or healthcare. This guide explains what applies to interpreters in Sweden and how to ask for help.

With authorities: the Administrative Procedure Act

The Administrative Procedure Act (förvaltningslagen, 2017:900) says in section 13 (translated from Swedish):

An authority shall use an interpreter and ensure that documents are translated when needed so that the individual can safeguard his or her rights, when the authority is in contact with someone who does not have a command of Swedish.

This means the authority must use an interpreter if needed for you to safeguard your rights. The authority assesses the need, so it is important that you clearly say you need an interpreter and which language you speak. The same section also applies to people with a disability that seriously limits their ability to see, hear or speak.

In healthcare

According to 1177 you have the right to an interpreter if you do not speak Swedish. This also applies if you have impaired hearing, are deaf or have combined vision and hearing impairment. It costs you nothing to order an interpreter.

If you need a spoken-language interpreter:

1. Say so when you book the appointment. Say that you need an interpreter and which language is to be interpreted into Swedish.
2. The healthcare staff book the interpreter for the visit.
3. Interpreting is on site or by phone.

The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) gives the same advice to asylum seekers: say if you need an interpreter when you book an appointment at a health centre. If you have impaired hearing or are deaf you can order an interpreter yourself from Tolkcentralen – preferably 14 days ahead – or ask the healthcare staff for help.

Tip: say which language you speak

Kurdish has several varieties. Therefore say clearly which language or dialect you speak, for example Kurmanji or Sorani, so that the right interpreter is booked. If it is unclear, the staff can ask which language you are used to.

Duty of confidentiality

Everyone who works in healthcare has a duty of confidentiality. According to Migrationshälsan Cosmos this also applies to interpreters: healthcare staff and interpreters may not disclose information about you to other people or authorities without your consent.

Other places in Uppsala where you can get interpreter help

• Vägvisaren (Uppsala municipality): the staff speak several languages and can book an interpreter.
• Red Cross Samhällsguiden: if you do not speak Swedish they can arrange for an interpreter to be present at the conversation.
• Migrationshälsan Cosmos: an interpreter is booked for people who do not speak Swedish.

If you do not get an interpreter

If you feel you do not understand what is said, say so immediately and ask for an interpreter. You can ask for the meeting to be rebooked so that an interpreter can attend. If you are not satisfied with healthcare you can give feedback through 1177. For questions about your own case with an authority: contact the authority, your representative or a support organisation. The Kurdish Friendship Association cannot promise to provide interpreters or representatives.