Sweden’s right-wing government has dramatically raised financial incentives for migrants who choose to return to their home countries. This policy change comes as a response to growing public frustration with the ongoing migrant influx.
The new offer is now up to $34,000 — an increase of 35 times from previous amounts — to encourage migrants to go back. Sweden has seen a significant rise in migrants from third-world nations, particularly from Islamic countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Iraq over the last 30 years.
Johan Forssell, recently appointed as Migration Minister, announced that Sweden is undergoing a “paradigm shift in our migration policy.” Forssell, who previously oversaw a major reduction in Sweden’s foreign aid budget, now leads efforts to manage immigration more effectively.
This policy was introduced shortly after Forssell’s move from his previous ministerial role. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who pledged to address immigration and related gang issues upon taking office two years ago, supports this new policy direction. The change reflects a broader trend in Europe where nations are increasingly adopting tougher stances on immigration.
Critics, particularly from liberal circles, argue that this policy may hinder migrant integration and worsen societal issues. Nonetheless, the right-wing government believes the measures are necessary to alleviate the strain on Sweden’s welfare system and ensure better societal cohesion.
