Sweden Boosts Funding for Migrant Returns Amid Delays in Repatriation Grants

The Swedish government has allocated 70 million kronor to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to enhance the return of migrants to countries such as Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Migration Minister Johan Forssell emphasized that this funding also targets irregular migration from Iraq, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, and Libya, focusing on improving identity verification and ensuring returnees’ basic needs like housing, food, and medical care are met.

Despite increased financial support, the national repatriation grant program has seen significant delays. In January alone, 272 individuals applied for the grant, which recently rose sharply from 10,000 SEK to 350,000 SEK per adult. However, none of the applicants have received funds yet, and 82 applications have been rejected, mostly due to incorrect residency permit types or outstanding debts with authorities such as Kronofogden or CSN. The majority of applicants are from Syria.

Forssell noted that only about one in three asylum seekers currently have valid protection claims; many face challenges unwilling to return home or lack accepted identification for re-entry. While previous assistance to Somalia reportedly led to increased forced returns, Forssell stressed the government's zero-tolerance policy on corruption despite allegations related to aid misuse.

The government’s renewed financial investment aims to build capacity for effective and dignified migrant returns, although administrative hurdles in repatriation grants highlight ongoing implementation challenges.