Sweden to Offer Up to $34,000 for Migrants to Return Home Starting in 2026
The Swedish government has announced a new policy offering up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $34,000) to certain migrants who choose to return to their countries of origin. This initiative, set to begin in 2026, marks a substantial increase from the current repatriation incentives, which are capped at 10,000 kronor ($976) per adult and 5,000 kronor ($476) per child, with a maximum of 40,000 kronor ($3,903) per family.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated that despite the current scheme’s availability, it has been minimally utilized, with only one migrant taking advantage of it in 2023. The increased grant is intended to encourage voluntary returns, particularly for migrants who have faced challenges such as language barriers or long-term unemployment.
Mr. Forssell revealing the new program last Thursday said, “we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy.” The increased repatriation grant is designed to encourage migrants, particularly those who have struggled to integrate into Swedish society due to language barriers or long-term unemployment, to voluntarily return to their countries of origin.
This new policy is part of a broader migration strategy implemented by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing coalition government. The strategy aims to tackle issues related to social exclusion and integration difficulties. The new program is a significant shift in Sweden’s migration policy.
Immigration has become increasingly controversial in Sweden over recent years, a phenomenon seen most of the countries in the world.
The new policy has generated considerable debate within Sweden, reflecting a broader global trend of increasing controversy surrounding immigration.
