Sweden Boosts Repatriation Grant to SEK 350,000 Amid Political Opposition

The Swedish government has substantially increased the repatriation grant from 10,000 kronor to 350,000 kronor per adult to encourage more immigrants to leave the country. This decision follows the 2025 statistic where only one in 133 applicants received the grant, highlighting the previous amount's ineffectiveness.

The initiative, primarily backed by the Sweden Democrats and part of the Tidö parties' agenda, targets immigrants who received residency permits before September 12, 2024, such as refugees or individuals granted residency due to distressing circumstances. Eligible applicants may receive 350,000 kronor per adult plus additional sums for children, with a household cap of 600,000 kronor.

Opposition parties have criticized the increase, warning it could lead to wasted public funds and potentially hinder immigrant integration efforts in Sweden. Despite these concerns, the government believes the financial incentive will assist those immigrants who have not integrated and do not intend to remain in Sweden.

This policy adjustment represents a significant shift in Sweden's approach to immigration, focusing on voluntary repatriation. The move has sparked debate about the impact on social cohesion and the allocation of resources within Sweden's immigration and integration framework.