Swedish Immigration Policy Changes Spark Worker Protests and Challenge Startup Ecosystem

Recent changes to Sweden's immigration policies have ignited protests and heightened concerns among both workers who face deportation and startup entrepreneurs struggling with residency permit delays. The Tidö government's abolition of "spårbyte," a policy that allowed asylum seekers with rejected applications to switch tracks and apply for work permits, has had significant repercussions. About 4,700 individuals are affected by this change, which has been made retroactive as of April 1, 2025.

One prominent case is that of Fereshteh Javani, a 39-year-old Iranian worker who has lived and contributed to Sweden for six years. She recently lost her work permit due to the policy change and faces deportation. Javani criticized the government decision as "inhumane," emphasizing that it not only disrupts her life but also those of families with children born in Sweden. She remarked, "The abolition of spårbyte is an inhumane decision and a betrayal to us who have fought and done everything right." Protests have been ongoing for three days outside the Swedish parliament, led by the activist network "Vi är 4700 arbetare" advocating for revoking the retroactive application of the law. Human rights organizations, including the Institute for Human Rights and the Swedish Red Cross, have condemned the new policy for being overly strict and limiting appeal options.

Alongside workers' challenges, startup entrepreneurs are also struggling due to the sluggish bureaucratic process for obtaining residency permits. The wait time in Sweden can exceed two years for non-EU entrepreneurs, compared to much faster processing in other countries, such as three weeks in the UK and three months in the Netherlands. Amelie Berg, a labor supply expert, highlighted the misalignment of current rules with the realities of startups, which often require long-term investment before profitability. She called for the introduction of a startup visa to improve Sweden’s attractiveness to global entrepreneurial talent. Berg stressed that startups are vital for job creation and economic growth, warning that the delays risk pushing entrepreneurs to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Together, these developments underscore the broad impact that Sweden’s shifting immigration policies are having on both individuals and the economy. Workers like Javani demand more humane treatment and retroactive reconsideration, while business advocates urge reforms to secure Sweden’s competitive edge in innovation and job creation. The ongoing protests and calls for policy adjustments reflect heightened tensions and uncertainty in the country’s approach to immigration and economic integration.