Immigration in Sweden: how the country went from one of Europe’s most welcoming, to one of its most restrictive

Live updates

1. 6d ago

   Sweden Shifts to Restrictive Immigration Policy with Cash Incentives to Leave

   Sweden has transitioned from one of Europe's most welcoming nations to one of its most restrictive. The government is currently offering cash incentives, including payments of £27k, to encourage foreign residents to leave the country. This crackdown occurs as an election looms and right-wing influence grows. While the state pursues these restrictive measures, public services continue to rely on foreign workers to function. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats have proposed a review of residence rules to ensure integrated migrants are not forced to depart.

   Why it matters

   The shift reflects a broader political move toward right-wing immigration policies. This creates a tension between the government's goal to reduce migrant numbers and the operational needs of the public sector.

   What is confirmed

   • Sweden has moved from being one of Europe's most welcoming countries to one of the most restrictive.
   • The Swedish government is paying immigrants to leave the country.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Foreign residents are being paid £27k to leave amid a right-wing crackdown.
   • The Social Democrats propose reviewing residence rules for migrants.
   • Public services in Sweden still rely on foreign workers despite anti-immigration rhetoric.

   What to watch next

   • Outcome of the upcoming election regarding immigration mandates
   • Results of the Social Democrats' proposed review of residence rules
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. The Conversation — Immigration in Sweden: how the country went from one of Europe’s most welcoming, to one of its most restrictive
   2. U.S. News & World Report — As Election Looms, Sweden's Government Is Paying Immigrants to Leave
   3. ua.news — Sweden’s Social Democrats propose reviewing residence rules for migrants
   4. The Local Sweden — 'We don't want people who are integrated in Sweden to be forced to leave'
   5. Devdiscourse — Sweden's Migration Shift: Cash Incentives to Leave
   6. Le Monde.fr — In Sweden, despite anti-immigration rhetoric, public services still rely on foreign workers
   7. The Independent — Sweden pays foreign residents £27k to leave amid right-wing immigration crackdown
   confidence 80%