Sweden’s government has announced a substantial increase in grants for immigrants who voluntarily choose to return to their home countries, aiming to encourage more to take up the offer. Starting in 2026, migrants who opt for voluntary return will be eligible for up to 350,000 Swedish kronor ($34,000), as part of a policy shift spearheaded by the right-wing government with support from the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell described the policy as part of a “paradigm shift” in Sweden’s approach to migration. Currently, immigrants can receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a maximum of 40,000 kronor per family.
Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats emphasized that the grant, though available since 1984, has been underutilized due to its relatively low profile and small amount. The increased grant is expected to generate more interest from those considering a return to their home countries.
This move comes despite opposition from a government-appointed probe, which questioned whether the projected benefits would outweigh the costs. However, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s administration, in power since 2022, is committed to addressing issues related to immigration and crime, both of which have been focal points of the Sweden Democrats.
Since the 1990s, Sweden has seen a large influx of migrants from conflict-affected regions such as Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Iraq, but has faced challenges in integrating these populations.
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