Sweden to boost repatriation aid amid rising migration tensions

From 10 to as much as 350,000 kronor, Sweden will increase support for immigrants who decide to return to their homeland. This is another controversial idea in the country, following the "informant law".

Currently, Sweden pays immigrants 10,000 kronor, or slightly over £760, as the so-called repatriation allowance (for children, this is 5,000 Swedish kronor). The support is directed at individuals who have been granted temporary or permanent residence permits but, for various reasons, wish to voluntarily return to their country of origin. Few applications are received.

- Last year, one person took advantage of the grant - said Johan Forssell, Minister for Migration, quoted by "Aftonbladet" on Thursday.

The government and the Sweden Democrats want more immigrants to leave the Scandinavian country voluntarily. Therefore, they intend to significantly increase the grant, up to a maximum of 350,000 Swedish kronor per adult, which is over £26,500, for returning to their homeland. The decision on this matter has already been made, and the new regulations will come into effect in 2026.

As pointed out by researcher Joakim Ruist in the Swedish newspaper, around 400,000-500,000 foreigners currently residing in Sweden are long-term unemployed or have difficulty sustaining themselves.

Sweden, grappling with a wave of crime and gang wars involving immigrants, has been tightening its migration policy since the change in power.

The latest idea, reported by the media, is the so-called informant law, under which public sector employees (teachers, doctors) would report any contact with an illegal immigrant.

Source: Sveriges Radio, Aftonbladet, WP