Sweden’s plan to expel thousands of migrants

The Swedish centre-right government presented a plan on Thursday to increase payments made to migrants who leave the country voluntarilyup to 350,000 Swedish crowns (about 30,000 euros).

The measure was presented at a press conference in Stockholm by Migration Minister Johan Forssell, accompanied by representatives of the other parties in the coalition of Moderates, Christian Democrats and Liberals, as well as the far-right Sweden Democrats, who support the government.

“They may feel that life in Sweden has not gone the way they wanted, that they are stuck and alienated, or that they are older and want to return to the country they originally came from,” Forssell said of the recipients of the plan.

According to the four parties, the government headed by Ulf Kristersson does not have a concrete numerical target regarding the number of migrants who could leave Sweden based on this measure, which is expected to come into force from 2026.

That year’s budgets will allocate 1.4 billion Swedish crowns for this plan (equivalent to 122 million euros), which would mean that 4,000 individuals could receive the maximum amount stipulated.

Currently, migrants who voluntarily return to their countries from Sweden are eligible for a payment of 10,000 Swedish crowns (870 euros) per adult and half this amount for children, but according to Forssell, practically no one is taking advantage of this opportunity.

In order to apply for this aid, migrants must be in Sweden legally and have a valid residence permit, whether for work, family or international protection reasons.