Sweden Will Pay €32,000 for Voluntary Migrant Returns
Sweden’s New Approach to Migration: Financial Incentives for Voluntary Returns
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has unveiled a significant strategy aimed at enhancing financial incentives for migrants who choose to voluntarily return to their home countries. In a recent interview with Euronews, Kristersson expressed that this initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the challenges Sweden has faced regarding migrant integration.
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of "absolute control" over migration, suggesting that more substantial financial support for those who decide to leave could alleviate strains on the country’s social systems. Currently, Sweden offers €900 per adult for voluntary departures; however, this program has seen limited success, with only one out of 70 applications approved by the Swedish Migration Agency in 2023.
To remedy this lackluster participation, the government plans to boost the return grant to €32,000—a remarkable increase of 3,400%. Set to come into effect on January 1, 2026, this policy draws inspiration from Denmark’s established model, which Kristersson acknowledged as a guiding example.
“By significantly elevating the offer, we aim to assist those who may prefer returning to their homeland, especially those who find it challenging to lead a fulfilling life in Sweden,” Kristersson stated.
While the Prime Minister concedes that the new initiative may not attract a large number of participants, he underscores its importance both symbolically and practically. He noted the current issues with integration, saying, “If individuals who legally reside in Sweden struggle to assimilate or appreciate our way of life, at least they might contemplate returning to their country of origin.”
Kristersson also reiterated his commitment to a more regulated migration policy and endorsed the European Union’s Migration Pact, calling for stricter enforcement against those with rejected asylum claims who continue to remain in Europe. He highlighted the alarming statistic that approximately 80% of individuals who receive negative asylum responses still reside in Europe, labeling this as "simply unacceptable." Sweden has managed to reduce this figure to about 20%, but Kristersson insists there is still much work to be done to achieve better control over migration.
With public sentiment in Europe gradually shifting towards stricter migration controls, Kristersson believes the political landscape may now be more conducive to implementing such policies. Additionally, the European Commission is considering measures to enhance the repatriation of irregular migrants, signaling a collective movement among European nations towards tighter migration regulations.
As Sweden embarks on this ambitious plan, the implications for both migrants and the broader societal framework are yet to unfold.
