Sweden to pay immigrants to return home: 'A paradigm shift in migration policy'

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

The government, which is also supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, announced at a press conference that starting in 2026, immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries will be offered up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (34,000 US dollars) in aid.

Officials stated that the new plan will be implemented starting in 2026.

According to an AFP report, Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell said, 'Starting in 2026, immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries will be eligible to receive 350,000 Swedish kronor (34,000 dollars).'

Forssell emphasized that Sweden is undergoing a 'paradigm shift in migration policy.'

Swedish officials believe that increasing financial incentives will encourage more immigrants to return voluntarily.

Currently, Sweden provides financial assistance of 10,000 kronor (less than 1,000 dollars) to adult immigrants and 5,000 kronor (less than 500 dollars) to children who voluntarily return to their home countries.

Under the current plan, each family is provided with up to 40,000 kronor (approximately 4,000 dollars) in aid in exchange for voluntary return.

For years, the Scandinavian country was a primary destination for immigrants arriving from war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and various African nations.

News Source: 12punto