Sweden's right-wing government has announced a major expansion of its voluntary repatriation program, offering immigrants up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $34,000) to return to their countries of origin beginning in 2026.
The policy, aimed at easing integration challenges and curbing migration amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment, marks a significant shift for the Nordic nation long regarded as a humanitarian leader.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell described the move as part of a "paradigm shift" in Sweden's immigration policy, emphasizing that the enhanced grants would help those who feel excluded or have struggled to integrate start anew in their home countries.
Currently, the repatriation grant available since 1984 provides up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, capped at 40,000 kronor per family, but uptake has been low, with only about 70 applications and one approval last year.
In contrast, around 16,000 immigrants from regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia left voluntarily without incentives in the same period.
The initiative targets individuals with legal residency rights, such as refugees or those granted subsidiary protection, but excludes those facing expulsion orders.
The government plans to review the system to prevent fraud, including tracking recipients to ensure they do not return to Sweden, in which case the funds would need to be repaid.
Officials estimate the program could boost annual returns by about 700 people, with initial costs around 1.4 billion kronor in 2026, potentially offset by long-term savings on integration and welfare.
This decision overrides a recent government inquiry that warned against large incentives, arguing they could hinder societal integration and offer limited benefits relative to risks.
Critics, including human rights groups and UN officials, contend the funds would be better invested in language training, job programs, and other integration efforts, and that such payouts send a discouraging message to newcomers fleeing conflict.
Sweden Democrats lawmaker Ludvig Aspling, whose anti-immigration party supports the minority coalition government, highlighted the appeal for long-term unemployed or welfare-dependent migrants.
Sweden's policy aligns with a broader European trend, where countries like Denmark (up to $15,000+ per person), France ($2,800), and Germany ($2,000) offer similar return grants, though Sweden's proposed amount would be among the highest.
With over 250,000 refugees in a population of 10.6 million as of mid-2023, the country has grappled with integration issues since waves of arrivals from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflict zones in the 1990s and 2010s.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's administration, backed by the Sweden Democrats since 2022, has prioritized tougher immigration controls and crime reduction.
The proposal, detailed in the 2025 budget bill, includes appointing a national coordinator and awareness campaigns to promote the option, with formal legislation expected later.
Proponents argue it provides a dignified exit and could foster growth in migrants' origin countries, while opponents fear it undermines Sweden's humanitarian legacy and may not significantly alter return rates given ongoing instability in many home nations.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com