Sweden Launches $34,000 Program to Encourage Migrants to Repatriate

• An official statement confirmed that the measure will be in effect from January 2026 | Main photo: Shutterstock

The Swedish government announced on Thursday, September 12, 2024, a series of monetary incentives for migrants who wish to return to their countries of origin.

A statement from the Swedish government said the measure will be available from January 2026, when migrants who return voluntarily will be entitled to receive up to 350,000 Swedish crowns (34,000 dollars) per adult.

“We are taking new steps in the reorientation of migration policy,” said Migration Minister Johan Forssell in the statement.

Currently, migrants can receive up to 10,000 crowns ($970) per adult and 5,000 crowns ($490) per child or adolescent, with a limit of 40,000 ($3,890) crowns per family.

“This aid has existed since 1984, but it is little known. It is minimal and few people use it,” said MP Ludvig Aspling during the press conference where the new migration policy measures were presented.

According to Aspling, the measure will mainly help migrants who are unemployed or dependent on social assistance.

Photo: EFE

Projections of the proposal

The government announced the same month that it projects the number of people leaving Sweden should exceed the number of immigrants by 2024 for the first time in more than half a century.

In addition, a report commissioned by the government and published in August 2024 advised against “significantly” increasing the amount of this incentive, considering it ineffective with respect to its cost.

Conservative Party leader Ulf Kristersson expects a sharp drop in immigration as a result of the proposal, but did not provide any estimates.

Sweden has mainly welcomed migrants from conflict regions, especially from countries in the former Yugoslavia, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran and Iraq.

Other European countries offering return incentives

In addition to Sweden, there are other countries that offer incentives for migrants to return to their countries of origin. These are:

-Denmark: pay more than 15 thousand dollars per person

-France: awards $2,800

-Germany: pay 2,000

-Norway: offers $1,400 per person

Sweden recorded more emigrants than immigrants

A preliminary report from the Central Statistics Office released on Thursday, September 12 by Sweden’s Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, indicated that for the first time in the last 50 years, the country is registering more emigrants than immigrants.

According to the data, Sweden reported a decrease of 15% in May 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, while emigration increased by 60%, equivalent to 5,700 people.

The number of asylum applications is moving towards a historically low level. Asylum-related residence permits continue to decrease and for the first time in 50 years. Sweden has net emigration,” the minister said, quoted by the Swedish news agency TT.

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Authorities concluded that Sweden is no longer a country of asylum, while noting that the Scandinavian state needs to attract more “skilled and highly skilled” migrants.

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– What are the monetary​ incentives offered by ‌Sweden for migrants who voluntarily return to their countries of origin?

Sweden Offers Monetary​ Incentives to Migrants Who Voluntarily Return to Their Countries of Origin

The ‍Swedish government has announced a series of monetary incentives aimed at encouraging migrants to voluntarily ⁣return to ‍their countries of origin. According⁢ to an official statement, the measure will‍ come into effect from January 2026, with migrants who return voluntarily entitled to receive up to 350,000 Swedish crowns (approximately 34,000 dollars) per adult.

Background and Context

The current policy in place since 1984 offers migrants up to 10,000 crowns (approximately 970 dollars) per adult and 5,000 crowns (approximately 490 dollars) per child⁤ or adolescent, with a limit of 40,000​ crowns (approximately 3,890 dollars) per family. However, according to MP Ludvig Aspling, the measure has⁢ been little known and⁣ few people have taken advantage of it.

The‌ New Proposal

Under the new proposal, migrants who ⁤are unemployed or dependent⁤ on social assistance will mainly benefit from the increased ​incentives. The measure is part of the ⁤Swedish government’s efforts to reorient its migration policy. Migration Minister Johan⁢ Forssell stated, “We are taking‌ new steps‍ in the reorientation of migration policy.”

Projections and Expectations

The government announced in September 2024 that it expects the number of people leaving Sweden to exceed the number of immigrants by 2024 for the first time in more than half a century. A report commissioned by the government and published in August 2024 advised against “significantly” increasing the amount of this incentive, considering it ineffective with respect to its cost.

Image: A report commissioned by the Swedish government advised against significantly increasing the amount of the incentive. (Source: Shutterstock)

What This‍ Means for Migrants

The new policy⁢ offers a significant increase in financial incentives for migrants who choose to return to their countries of origin. This could be a welcome relief for ⁤those who are struggling to make ends meet in Sweden or those who are​ no longer able to contribute to the country’s economy. The increased incentives are likely to encourage more migrants to take advantage of the opportunity.

Conclusion

The Swedish​ government’s ‍decision to offer monetary incentives to migrants who voluntarily return to their countries of origin is a⁣ significant step towards reorienting its⁢ migration policy. While the effectiveness of the measure​ remains to be seen, ‌it ‍is clear that the government is committed to finding ​solutions to the challenges posed by ​immigration. As the world grapples with the⁢ complexities of migration, Sweden’s approach may serve as a model for other countries to follow.

Keywords: Sweden, migration policy, monetary ⁣incentives, migrants, voluntary return, country of origin, government policy.

Meta Description: Sweden announces new monetary incentives for migrants who voluntarily return to their countries of origin, aiming to reorient its migration policy. Learn ​more about the proposal and its implications.

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Sweden Offers Monetary ⁤Incentives to Migrants Who Voluntarily Return to Their Countries of Origin

Background and ​Context

The New Proposal

Projections and Expectations

What This Means for Migrants

Conclusion