Swedish Migration Policy Debates Amid New Stricter Deportation Laws

Recent legal changes in Sweden have tightened regulations around migration and deportations, particularly affecting children and young adults, sparking political debate within parties such as Vänsterpartiet. As of April 1, 2025, the 'track change' option allowing asylum seekers to switch to work permits has been abolished, ending prolonged pathways to residency for many. Concurrently, the salary threshold for work permits was raised to 80% of the median salary, approximately 29,680 SEK monthly, making it difficult for lower-paid professions to qualify. Additionally, temporary residence permits—standard since 2016—require immigrants to wait three years before applying for permanent status, complicating residency for those turning 18 during that period. Notably, the previous grounds for young adults to stay under 'particularly distressing circumstances' have been replaced by the more stringent 'exceptionally distressing circumstances' criteria, further limiting residency options.

Politically, Vänsterpartiet leader Nooshi Dadgostar has condemned Sweden’s migration policy as "absurd" and "not in line with our moral views," yet skepticism remains over the party's ability to enact significant changes should they join the next government. Socialdemokraterna, led by Magdalena Andersson, firmly upholds a strict migration stance as a core campaign platform, allowing only limited leniency such as permitting young migrants to finish high school before deportation. Moreover, coalition negotiations are complicated by differences in economic and social policies, with Centern’s pro-business demands and Socialdemokraterna’s fiscal conservatism restricting Vänsterpartiet’s influence. Dadgostar has risked considerable political capital pursuing a government role, despite internal opposition risks, reminiscent of past coalition struggles experienced by the Green Party in 2015.