Sweden, once known for its “open-hearted” approach to refugees, is now on track to record its lowest number of asylum applications in 25 years. This dramatic shift in migration policy comes after a series of reforms following the challenges posed by the 2015 refugee crisis, which saw the Nordic country take in nearly 163,000 asylum seekers, the highest per capita intake in the European Union.
In the first 11 months of 2024, only 8,935 irregular immigrants applied for asylum in Sweden, marking the smallest total since 1997. The decline in asylum seekers reflects the significant changes implemented by the government since the 2022 election, which shifted Swedish migration policies to a more restrictive stance.
Johan Forssell, Sweden’s Migration Minister, who took office in September 2024, explained to The Times that the government is now pursuing a “paradigm shift” in its migration policy. Forssell emphasized that this change is not driven by xenophobia or a lack of empathy for those fleeing war and persecution. Instead, he explained that Sweden’s capacity to integrate immigrants had been stretched too thin, and the country had to confront the tough realities of gang violence, riots, and failed integration efforts that followed the large influx of migrants.
Sweden’s former “open-hearted” stance, dating back to the 1970s, was epitomized by its generous asylum policies and efforts to help refugees maintain their native languages and cultures. However, as Forssell pointed out, the challenges of integration became increasingly evident after the refugee crisis of 2015. Gang-related violence, including gun murders and bombings, surged, and the rise of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats highlighted the growing discontent with the country’s migration policies.
The shift in Sweden’s migration stance became more apparent after the 2022 election, where a significant change in the political landscape occurred. Forssell’s centre-right Moderates, alongside the far-right Sweden Democrats, formed a new government. This marked the start of a series of reforms, especially regarding immigration and law enforcement. The government focused on limiting the number of immigrants granted asylum and tightening the criteria for residency permits, particularly in cases of family reunification.
The number of asylum seekers in Sweden had soared after 2015, with many arriving from conflict-ridden countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Eritrea. While Sweden had prided itself on its humanitarian approach, the reality of integrating such a large influx of immigrants proved far more complicated than anticipated. Forssell reflected on this, stating that while Sweden could provide housing, finding suitable schools, apartments, and jobs for newcomers was an immense challenge that required far more resources and coordination than many had originally foreseen.
The government has since enacted several immigration reforms. These include reducing family reunification options, expanding deportation criteria, and limiting asylum claims to the minimum required under EU law. Sweden has also initiated programs encouraging voluntary returns for immigrants who do not qualify for asylum, and authorities now have the power to enforce electronic surveillance for individuals awaiting deportation or residency decisions.
The government has also shifted the status of asylum seekers toward the less favorable “subsidiary protection” status, which must be renewed regularly and requires immigrants to demonstrate financial independence to remain in the country. Forssell explained that the aim is to move back towards a model of skilled immigration, where individuals are granted residency based on their ability to contribute to the Swedish workforce, rather than asylum being granted on a blanket basis.
A particularly notable reform is the increased scrutiny on family reunification, which has resulted in fewer people being allowed to bring their relatives to Sweden. Forssell attributed this change as one of the most effective measures in reducing asylum claims, as it directly impacted the long-term settlement of migrants.
Additionally, Sweden has now adopted measures to discourage individuals who are not granted asylum from staying in the country. Immigrants living in Sweden without the right to remain are considered to be part of a “shadow society,” often living under the radar without official recognition. Forssell expressed concerns about the negative impact this could have on social stability and integration. One of the government’s priorities is to encourage these individuals to voluntarily return to their home countries.
Another shift in policy involves making it more difficult for foreign criminals to stay in Sweden. Forssell pointed out that under previous systems, criminals who were slated for deportation could remain in the country while their cases were pending, sometimes for years. Now, the government has placed stricter controls on residency permits for individuals who have committed crimes, and these individuals are encouraged to leave Sweden as soon as possible.
The new government’s approach has also included tightening security at borders, conducting more thorough identity checks, and collecting biometric data from foreign residents. Plans are in place to establish “transit centers” where asylum seekers would remain for the duration of their asylum process, ensuring that they are kept in a designated space rather than dispersing throughout the country while waiting for a decision.
Sweden’s decision to reduce the number of “quota” refugees resettled from other countries has also been part of this shift in policy. These quotas, which had previously been an important aspect of Sweden’s role in international refugee protection, have been significantly cut to focus on addressing the needs of those already residing in the country.
Forssell acknowledged that it is impossible to pinpoint exactly which of the changes had the most significant impact, though he noted that the reduction in family reunifications had led to a noticeable decline in the number of asylum applications. He emphasized the importance of focusing on individuals who could integrate successfully into Swedish society, with a strong emphasis on language skills and employment opportunities.
As part of the government’s long-term plan, Forssell outlined a future policy that would require immigrants to pass language and integration tests before being granted citizenship. This is a significant shift for Sweden, where such measures were once considered unnecessary. Forssell admitted that many newcomers and even long-term residents found the idea of language and integration tests somewhat unusual but acknowledged that they are essential for ensuring successful integration and social cohesion in the country.
One of the significant challenges Sweden now faces is the future of its Syrian refugee population. While many Syrians came to Sweden as refugees during the civil war, Forssell pointed out that the situation in Syria had changed significantly, and many Syrians were expected to return to their home country. However, the government remains focused on ensuring that the process of return is managed effectively and that people who no longer have a legal right to stay are given appropriate support for voluntary return.
While Sweden’s new migration policies have drawn both support and criticism, Forssell believes that the country’s shift in approach has made it a model for other nations facing similar challenges. As the country grapples with the realities of managing large-scale immigration, the focus is now on finding solutions that ensure both security and integration, while maintaining a humanitarian approach in line with Swedish values.
