Strong Support from Foreign-Born Populations for Sweden's Major Increase in Repatriation Grant

Sweden is set to raise its repatriation grant dramatically from 10,000 to 350,000 kronor per adult at the start of the new year, a move that has sparked considerable interest and varied public opinion across the country. A recent survey by Indikator Opinion, involving 4,900 respondents, found strong support for the increase particularly among foreign-born residents in vulnerable areas. Notably, 39% of people with foreign backgrounds living in these areas view the raise positively, compared to only 27% among the broader Swedish population.

The survey highlighted that support is highest among those who have been in Sweden for less than five years—with 46% backing the increased grant. Politically, the endorsement comes mostly from voters of the Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats, who show 45% and 47% support respectively. On the contrary, voters affiliated with the Left Party and Green Party tend to oppose the raise, with opposition levels of 52% and 60% respectively.

Ahmed Abdirahman, CEO of Järvaveckan, expressed surprise at these findings, stating, "We find this very interesting; we did not expect it." He suggested that the current societal environment and frequent migration policy changes might contribute to the uncertainty felt among foreign-born individuals, which could explain the survey results.

This significant policy adjustment and its reception indicate evolving attitudes in Swedish society towards repatriation support, particularly in vulnerable communities and among newer immigrants.