Sweden to Increase Payments for Voluntary Immigrant Returns Amid Policy Shift

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Oct. The Swedish government has announced plans to raise financial incentives for immigrants who voluntarily leave the country. Migration Minister Johan Forssell revealed that payments will be increased from the current 40,000 Swedish kronor (approximately Rs 28,500) to as much as 350,000 kronor (about Rs 28.5 lakh) by 2026.

Speaking at a press conference, Forssell emphasized that Sweden is undergoing a “paradigm shift” in its migration policy, supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats. Currently, the government offers 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a family cap of 40,000 kronor for voluntary returns. Forssell stated, “We want to ensure that those who choose to return home are adequately supported.”

Sweden’s move follows a trend seen in several European nations that offer return grants to migrants, albeit with varying amounts. For example, Denmark provides over $15,000 per person, while Norway offers approximately $1,400. In contrast, France and Germany provide around $2,800 and $2,000, respectively.

Targeting Low-Skilled Labor
In addition to increasing return payments, the Swedish government is also working to reduce the influx of low-skilled workers. By June 2025, a new law will require immigrants to earn at least 80% of the median Swedish salary—currently set at 35,600 kronor (around $3,455)—to qualify for a work permit. Some professions, such as domestic care workers, will be exempt from this requirement.

A government press release highlighted the need to focus on skilled labor immigration, stating, “Labour immigration is important for Sweden, but the country primarily needs skilled and highly skilled workers.” It noted that many low-wage jobs could be filled by individuals already residing in Sweden.

Attracting Highly Skilled Workers
Despite the restrictions on low-skilled immigration, Sweden aims to make the country more appealing to highly skilled workers. On September 25, 2024, the government introduced a Bill to Parliament proposing measures to attract and retain qualified professionals. Forssell noted, “Sweden must be an attractive country for highly qualified workers.”

The proposal includes implementing the EU’s new Blue Card Directive, which aims to lower the salary threshold for an EU Blue Card and expand eligibility to more categories of workers. These changes are expected to take effect on January 1, 2025.

A Historic Decline in Immigration
In August 2024, the Swedish government announced that the number of people leaving the country would surpass the number of arrivals for the first time in over 50 years. According to the Swedish Ministry of Justice, the nation is on track to receive its lowest number of asylum seekers since 1997. Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard indicated that between January and May 2024, 5,700 more individuals departed Sweden than arrived, marking a significant trend towards net emigration.

Increase in Indian Departures
Interestingly, the number of Indian-born individuals leaving Sweden has surged, with 2,837 Indians departing between January and June 2024—a 171% increase from 1,046 during the same period last year. This trend makes Indians the largest group of emigrants from Sweden, surpassing individuals from Iraq, China, and Syria.

Despite this rise in departures, Indians remain one of the largest immigrant groups in Sweden, coming second only to Ukrainians in new arrivals for 2024. However, the number of Indian immigrants has declined compared to previous years, following a pattern of reduced immigration since 2017.

Ongoing Crackdown on Migration
The Swedish government’s stance on immigration has become increasingly strict since the Moderate Party, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, came to power in October 2022. In early 2024, immigration dropped by 15% year-on-year, while emigration rose by 60%. Asylum applications have also decreased, reaching the lowest levels since 1997.

This shift marks a departure from Sweden’s historical image as a welcoming nation for asylum seekers. Once celebrated as a “humanitarian superpower,” recent years have highlighted challenges in integrating newcomers, particularly those from conflict zones.