Sweden’s government on Thursday announced plans to significantly raise the grants for immigrants who voluntarily choose to return to their home countries.
Starting in 2026, immigrants can receive up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $34,000) as part of this initiative, according to Sweden’s right-wing government, which is supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated that this move is part of a ‘paradigm shift’ in the country’s migration policy. Currently, immigrants receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a maximum of 40,000 kronor per family. The new measure aims to increase the uptake of this offer, which has been available since 1984 but is relatively unknown and underutilized.
The announcement comes despite opposition from a recent government-appointed probe, which argued against a significant increase due to concerns over cost-effectiveness. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, is focusing on addressing immigration and crime as part of its broader policy agenda.”
Sweden has welcomed many migrants since the 1990s from conflict-ridden countries such as the former Yugoslavia, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Iraq, but has faced challenges integrating them.
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