Sweden’s conservative administration has introduced a new initiative to encourage migrants to leave the country by significantly increasing financial incentives. This move comes amid widespread public dissatisfaction with the high levels of immigration the country has suffered.
Under the new policy, migrants can receive up to $34,000 to return to their home countries — an increase of 35 times the previous amount. Over the past three decades, Sweden has experienced a surge in migrants from third-world countries, including Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Iraq.
Johan Forssell, the new Swedish Migration Minister, declared that the country is experiencing a “paradigm shift in our migration policy.” Forssell’s appointment follows his previous role in which he reduced Sweden’s foreign aid budget significantly.
This policy change was announced shortly after Forssell’s reassignment from Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. The right-wing shift in Swedish politics, marked by Conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s efforts to address immigration and associated gang problems, reflects a broader European trend toward stricter immigration policies.
Liberals argue that the new approach could negatively affect migrants’ integration and contribute to further societal issues. However, the government maintains that addressing the challenges posed by a large migrant population is essential for Sweden’s welfare system and societal cohesion.
