In 2022, Sweden received 90 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 18% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 36% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 20% labour migrants, 38% family members (including accompanying family) and 6% humanitarian migrants. Around 9 900 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 7 700 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 71 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 22% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
India, Poland and Germany were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, India registered the strongest increase (2 000) and Denmark the largest decrease (53) in flows to Sweden compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑32%, to reach around 9 000. The majority of applicants came from Syria (900), Uzbekistan (700) and Afghanistan (600). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Dem. Rep. of the Congo (100) and the largest decrease nationals of Ukraine (‑1 400). Of the 19 000 decisions taken in 2023, 27% were positive.
Emigration of Swedish citizens to OECD countries increased by 4% in 2022, to 21 000. Approximately 19% of this group migrated to Spain, 12% to Germany and 10% to Norway.
Amid ongoing broad migration policy reform, the Swedish Government is reviewing the current labour migration framework to introduce more stringent conditions for low-skilled labour migration while promoting and attracting high-skilled labour migration. A new maintenance requirement came into force in November 2023, corresponding to 80% of the median salary. In early 2024, a government inquiry presented its report with further proposed changes to the labour migration legislation. The proposed measures include a salary threshold (with a possibility for exemptions for certain occupations and for recent graduates), a complete ban of issuing work permits for certain occupations where widespread misuse occurs, an increase in the EU Blue Card validity period from two to four years, greater flexibility regarding in-country applications for certain residence permits, and abolishment of the possibility to apply for a work visa following rejection of an asylum application, without having to leave Sweden first. These proposals are still at the early stage of the legislation process and will tentatively come into force in mid‑2025.
To promote high-skilled labour migration, the Migration Agency has launched a new model for work permit applications, featuring improved services for employers recruiting highly qualified workers and specific units for international recruitment. High-skilled workers can now expect to receive a decision within 30 days if presenting a complete application. To reduce processing times for work and student permit applications, the Migration Agency has launched a pilot scheme to digitally verify passports. Previously, an applicant had to present his or her passport in person at a consular post or at the Migration Agency. This scheme currently applies to nationals of 22 countries but is expected to expand in the future.
In December 2023, stricter conditions for family reunification and restricted possibilities for residence permits on humanitarian grounds came into force. The age limit for refusing a residence permit on grounds of personal ties has been raised from 18 to 21 years, and the possibilities for exemption from the maintenance requirement in family member immigration for persons eligible for subsidiary protection have been limited.
Further reforms to the migration system are in the pipeline. In June 2024 the Swedish Parliament approved a new goal for Sweden’s integration policy as proposed by the government. Government inquiries have been commissioned to introduce stricter conditions to obtain Swedish citizenship, review the regulatory framework on asylum to adjust to the minimum level according to EU law, review the student permit system and propose measures to attract and retain doctoral students and researchers. To conclude, there is also an additional government inquiry that will propose changes to the orientation course on Swedish society and traditions offered to newly arrived refugees and their family members.
For further information: www.migrationsverket.se | www.regeringen.se
