Unfold the Untold Stories: Journey of Permanent Resident, Bangladeshi Migrant Student in Sweden.

Abstract: This study investigates the experiences of Bangladeshi migrant students who have obtained permanent residency (PR) status in Sweden. This study examines the Bangladeshi migrant students’ aspirations and achievements, daily experiences, and challenges in maintaining their transnational identities in Sweden. Given this context, this study is based on ethnographic observation, examining empirical data obtained through in-depth interviews. Data was gathered from a group of eighteen Bangladeshi migrant students whom the Swedish government has given permanent residency permits (PR). The comprehensive interviews and ethnographic field observations were conducted between September, 2023 to November, 2023. For this study, the concept of transnationalism is used to analyze the network activities of Bangladeshi student migrants in Sweden and to understand the life patterns that involve both their host and home cultures. They lead transnational lives, bridging two distinct societies within a shared social sphere. I have divided the chronology of the Bangladesh migrant students’ settlement process in Sweden into three stages. The first pertains to their desire to pursue education in Sweden, the second concerns their practical encounter with obtaining a work permit, and the final one delves into their transnational identity, examining how it has influenced their present situation and whether it deviates from their initial aspirations. Throughout these stages, I observed various variations and differences in their social connections, family engagements, ways of life, and decisionmaking processes. Eventually, I acquired a comprehension of the structure and characteristics of transnational identity. In the lives of Bangladeshi student migrants in Sweden, there is a strong and interconnected “spider net” connections between the family and the home country. Upon that “spider net” connections there are two identity patterns known as ‘retaining Bangladeshi culture first’ and ‘Bangladeshi type mixed culture’ involving Sweden and Bangladesh. The majority of my respondents prioritize maintaining their Bangladeshi identity over their Swedish identity. Transnationalism has established familial, social, religious, and economic connections between the countries of residence and origin. Following the work permit phase and acquisition of a permanent residence permit, Bangladeshi students encounter varying experiences contingent upon their job types and legal challenges associated with the Migrationsverket, ultimately resulting in significant psychological distress. Post-permanent residency (PR), this situation remains relatively unchanged. However, PR facilitates migrant students in seeking improved employment opportunities and obtaining financial assistance, education, and familial support. Nevertheless, they encounter “hidden barriers” when seeking employment in a specialized field, and their challenges persist in various aspects as they strive to integrate themselves socio-culturally into mainstream Swedish society