Sweden is planning to significantly increase payments, up to $34,000, for immigrants who voluntarily leave the country, the right-wing government announced on Thursday. Known for its long-standing reputation as a “humanitarian superpower,” Sweden has struggled with integrating many of its newcomers over the years.
Starting in 2026, immigrants who return to their countries of origin will be eligible for up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (about $34,000), the government said. This initiative is supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats and is part of a broader shift in Sweden’s migration policy.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated, “We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy,” during a press conference where the government outlined its new measures to tighten migration control. Currently, immigrants can receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a family cap of 40,000 kronor.
Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats pointed out that the grant, which has been available since 1984, is relatively unknown and rarely used, with only one person accepting the offer last year. Aspling believes that increasing awareness and raising the grant amount would encourage more people, especially long-term unemployed immigrants, to take the financial incentive and return home.
A government probe recently advised against a significant increase in the grant amount, citing concerns that it would send a message that migrants are unwanted and hinder integration efforts. However, several European countries also offer similar return grants, with Denmark providing over $15,000 per person, while Norway, France, and Germany offer smaller sums.
Sweden has faced challenges in integrating immigrants, particularly those from conflict zones such as the former Yugoslavia, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Iraq. During the 2015 migration crisis, Sweden took in 160,000 asylum seekers, the highest per capita in the EU. This has led to higher unemployment rates among foreign-born residents and put pressure on Sweden’s welfare system, contributing to widening wealth inequalities.
Since then, both left- and right-wing governments have introduced measures to restrict migration, including temporary residence permits, stricter family reunification policies, and higher income requirements for work visas. The current government, led by conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, also plans to introduce laws making it easier to deport migrants involved in substance abuse, criminal activity, or those deemed a threat to Swedish values.