The Swedish Migration Agency is already preparing 30,000 accommodation places throughout the country, which will be in place within a few months.

But due to the already large flow of refugees from Ukraine to Sweden, the pace must be increased.

In a request to the county administrative boards, which was sent on 8 March, the Swedish Migration Agency wishes to use 3,000 of the municipalities' evacuation sites immediately, and an additional 9,000 sites urgently.

It writes the authority in a press release.

- It can be about sports halls, warehouses and other spaces that can be used temporarily to house the thousands who now come to our country, says Minister of Integration and Migration Anders Ygeman (S) at a press conference on Wednesday.

Can live in tents

The government is also reviewing easing of the requirements in the Planning and Building Act in order to possibly be able to fix temporary housing in the form of tents, according to Anders Ygeman.

He also emphasizes the municipalities' responsibility to contribute with help.

- We should not have a situation like during the previous refugee crisis where some municipalities took great responsibility, while others did not participate and contribute.

3,500 have sought protection in Sweden so far

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, there has been a sharp increase in asylum seekers to Sweden.

3,500 people have so far sought protection in Sweden, but more than that have come to the country.

They just have not had time to register with the Swedish Migration Board, according to Ygeman.

- The majority of all have come to the Stockholm area or Malmö, and unlike previous refugee crises, a large proportion of the people are women and children.

This is because men of working age, 18-60 years, are not allowed to leave the country as they are expected to fight in the war.

According to Ygeman, the refugees are primarily looking for friends and acquaintances to get somewhere to live.

- About 30 percent of everyone who comes to Sweden is dependent on the Swedish Migration Board to be able to settle, says Anders Ygeman.