Sweden is enacting a significant shift in its immigration policies, offering migrants a substantial financial incentive to voluntarily leave the country and return to their home nations. The government announced that beginning in 2026, migrants could receive up to $34,000 (approximately SEK 300,000) for self-deportation, a sharp increase from the current payment of around $976. This decision is part of a broader government strategy aimed at reducing the pressures of immigration and addressing integration issues that have been ongoing for decades.

A "Paradigm Shift" in Immigration Policy

Sweden’s Minister of Migration, Johan Forssell, described this move as part of a “paradigm shift” in the country’s approach to immigration. Forssell emphasized that the government is determined to reverse Sweden’s historically lenient stance on migration, with this new financial incentive serving as a key strategy to encourage migrants, especially those facing difficulties in securing employment or integrating into society, to voluntarily return to their countries of origin. The goal, as Forssell explained, is to reduce irregular migration and improve social cohesion within Sweden.


The Swedish government has made it clear that this is part of a larger push to tighten its immigration policies. The plan includes reducing permanent residency permits, limiting asylum applications, and intensifying deportations of those who are living in the country without proper authorization. Sweden’s official website states that the government will also investigate legislative changes to ensure that Sweden does not have a more generous asylum policy than is required by European Union and international law.

Political Backing from the Right-Wing Coalition

This policy change comes amid rising political support for stricter immigration controls, largely championed by the right-wing bloc that now holds power in Sweden’s parliament. The Sweden Democrats, a nationalist and anti-immigration party, have been a driving force behind these reforms. In the 2022 elections, the Sweden Democrats gained significant political influence, pushing for tougher immigration policies as part of their broader agenda to "put Sweden first."


Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who leads the right-wing coalition, has expressed full support for the reforms. He has been vocal about addressing Sweden's growing challenges, including issues related to crime and the strain on the welfare system, which many argue are linked to high levels of immigration. Kristersson remarked, “Now we will get Sweden in order,” signaling a new era of immigration policy in the Scandinavian country.

Integration and Unemployment Concerns

The new offer targets long-term unemployed migrants and those heavily reliant on Sweden’s welfare system. The financial incentive is seen as a way to alleviate the burden on the state while offering migrants the chance to build a sustainable future in their home countries. However, critics argue that while $34,000 might seem like a generous sum, it may not be enough to support migrants’ resettlement efforts, particularly in nations with high living costs or ongoing political instability.


Community leaders, such as those from the Somali migrant community, have raised concerns that this incentive might be insufficient for some refugees to establish a stable life in their countries of origin. This is particularly true in regions where infrastructure and opportunities are limited. Moreover, there are questions about whether the funds will be used effectively by those who opt to take the offer.

A Broader Global Trend?

Sweden’s move is part of a growing global trend where countries are tightening immigration policies and providing incentives for voluntary return. Nations like Denmark and Austria have implemented similar programs, though Sweden’s new offer is among the most generous in terms of financial compensation. This reflects the political pressure across Europe to reduce migration levels, while balancing humanitarian responsibilities under international law.

The Path Forward

Sweden's radical changes signal a marked departure from its past, where the country was known for its open-door policies and generous asylum system. With the rise of nationalist politics and increased concerns over integration and crime, the government is set on taking a harder stance on immigration. As the 2026 implementation date approaches, it will be crucial to observe how this policy is received, both by migrants and the international community, and whether it achieves the government’s intended goals of reducing irregular migration and improving social cohesion.


For now, Sweden is making it clear that it is willing to offer financial support for migrants willing to leave, but the long-term impact of these policies remains to be seen.