Migration and integration

An orderly migration policy

To establish better conditions for integration and to reduce social exclusion, the Government is taking measures to reduce asylum-related immigration to sustainable levels for the foreseeable future. Those who have received an expulsion order must leave Sweden, either voluntarily or through forced return. The ‘shadow society’ and work-related crime must be combated. Efforts to prevent cheating and abuse of welfare systems are being enhanced. Government agencies’ conditions to intervene against individuals who commit offences or otherwise pose a threat to our open society will be improved, and it will be possible to expel more of those individuals.

• Press release: Adjustment of Swedish asylum regulations and procedures to minimum level required under EU law
• Press release: Stricter conditions for family member immigration and restricted possibilities for residence permits on humanitarian grounds
• Press release: Government tasks Swedish Migration Agency with setting up return centres

Labour immigration that makes Sweden more competitive

Swedish businesses become stronger and Sweden becomes more competitive with the ability to recruit highly qualified labour from other countries. The Government’s aim is for more foreign experts, researchers and talents to choose Sweden. For this reason, it has tasked the Swedish Migration Agency with promoting immigration of highly qualified labour through measures such as reduced processing times. The Government has also tasked 11 government agencies with identifying problems and proposing improvements as regards Sweden’s possibilities to attract, establish and retain highly qualified international expertise and other foreign labour that is vital to Sweden’s competitiveness.

• Press release: Better conditions for foreign researchers and doctoral students to work in Sweden
• Press release: EU Blue Card will promote highly qualified labour immigration
• Press release: Improved rules for highly qualified labour immigration

Citizenship should be earned – not handed out

The era of casual requirements for Swedish citizenship is over. Being granted Swedish citizenship is something people should feel proud of. Only those who have made an effort to become part of Swedish society and who have lived wholesome lives during their time in Sweden should be granted citizenship. The Government is therefore tightening requirements to make becoming a Swedish citizen more meaningful. On 1 October 2024, legislative amendments came into force that make the requirements concerning acquisition of Swedish citizenship by notification stricter. The Government has also instructed the Swedish Migration Agency to take further and more robust steps to prevent people who pose a security risk from being granted citizenship as far as possible.

• Press release: More stringent requirements for Swedish citizenship
• Press release: Government measures to strengthen Swedish citizenship

Implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum

In June 2024, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum was adopted. Control of the external borders will be enhanced. A better system will also be established so as to determine whether applications are unfounded and should be rejected at the EU’s outer borders. Moreover, returns will be prioritised. It is good for Sweden and for European cooperation that the EU is getting its asylum and migration policy in better order. Now it is important that all Member States fully implement the Pact.

Self-sufficiency

Today, far too many people born abroad are far-removed from the labour market, especially women. It should always be worthwhile to get a job. Those who receive introduction benefit and introduction supplement or housing compensation have less financial incentive to work compared to others. This can contribute to long-term unemployment and social exclusion. For this reason, an inquiry has been tasked with analysing whether the regulatory framework for various benefits contains sufficiently strong incentives for newly arrived individuals to start working. The Government has also appointed an inquiry to examine a potential benefit ceiling.

The Swedish language

Swedish language skills are in many cases essential for getting a job. The Government will strengthen the instruction in Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) and heighten requirements. In 2023, the Government invested approximately SEK 1 billion in adult vocational education and training. The majority of that investment has gone to education that enables a combination of SFI with vocational education and training. The Government has also given the municipalities the ability to offer SFI to Ukrainian refugees.

Becoming part of society

People who come to Sweden and receive a resident permit here must become part of Swedish society. This is partly about society being clear about how Sweden functions and partly about strengthening important parts of civil society. The Government has therefore provided funding to women’s organisation in areas of social exclusion and invested in sports in vulnerable areas.