As election looms, Sweden's government is paying immigrants to leave
ONCE known for its welcome to migrants, Sweden has not only shut its borders over the last decade, its right-wing government is now paying some foreign-born residents to leave, part of a tough stance on migration it hopes will help it secure reelection this month.
Sweden, once known for its open arms towards migrants, now appears to be tightening its stance on immigration. As part of its tough new immigration policy, the right-wing government is offering up to 350,000 Swedish crowns (US$37,000) to foreign-born residents with residency permits from outside the European Union to leave the country.
This move comes as Sweden has significantly reduced its number of asylum seekers, falling from 163,000 in 2015 to just 171 so far in 2026. The government's aim is to secure reelection this month by addressing the surge in anti-immigration rhetoric and policies seen across Europe. While some, like the far-right Sweden Democrats, support the initiative, civil rights groups and opposition parties criticize it as divisive.
Currently, only 171 people have taken advantage of the offer, and many immigrants remain opposed to returning to their home countries.
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