Sweden Plans Significant Increase in Financial Incentives for Immigrants to Leave

News Desk

STOCKHOLM: The Swedish government has announced plans to increase financial incentives for immigrants who choose to return to their countries of origin. Under the proposal, immigrants could receive up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $34,000) from 2026, a significant rise from the current maximum of 40,000 kronor per family. The move is part of a broader shift in Sweden’s migration policy, according to Migration Minister Johan Forssell.

Sweden, which has long been known for its humanitarian approach, has faced challenges in integrating large numbers of newcomers. Forssell described the change as a “paradigm shift” aimed at addressing those difficulties. The right-wing government, backed by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, hopes that increasing the financial incentive will encourage more immigrants to voluntarily return to their home countries.

At present, immigrants can receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child for voluntary repatriation. However, few have taken advantage of the program. Last year, only one individual accepted the offer, according to Forssell.

Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats expressed confidence that the higher payout would attract more interest, particularly among long-term unemployed immigrants or those reliant on state benefits. He emphasized that increasing awareness of the grant and its new size could make a significant difference.

However, a government-commissioned inquiry recently advised against raising the grant, arguing that the cost may not be justified by the expected impact. The inquiry also warned that the increase could send a negative message about the desirability of migrants in Sweden, potentially hindering integration efforts.

Sweden’s policy mirrors similar programs in other European nations. Denmark offers more than $15,000 per person for voluntary return, while France, Norway, and Germany provide smaller sums.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who took office in 2022, has vowed to tighten immigration controls and reduce crime, with the support of the Sweden Democrats, which emerged as Sweden’s second-largest party. Since the 1970s, Sweden has been a major provider of foreign aid and has accepted large numbers of migrants, particularly from the 1990s onwards.