Swedish Municipalities Push Back Against Government’s Voluntary Repatriation Initiative

Several Swedish municipalities have refused the government's plan to increase voluntary repatriation efforts, sparking criticism and highlighting tensions between national policies and local realities. The government, seeking to boost support for immigrants choosing to return to their home countries, has proposed increased repatriation funding and appointed Teresa Zetterblad as national coordinator to facilitate cooperation across all 290 municipalities.

However, around 17 municipalities—including Jokkmokk and Härjedalen—have rejected the initiative outright. Jokkmokk's mayor, Roland Boman, emphasized community unity and the necessity of keeping all residents amid demographic challenges. Similarly, Härjedalen's mayor Lars-Gunnar Nordlander stated repatriation is a non-issue, noting the need for all inhabitants to maintain essential local services. In Håbo, Moderate councilor Catherine Öhrqvist expressed confidence in their local immigrant support systems, saying, “We see no need for the help,” and noting that any repatriation requests would be handled separately.

Lund’s Moderate council chair, Rasmus Törnblom, dismissed the government’s initiative as "symbol politics," suggesting it does not address actual challenges faced by municipalities. Meanwhile, Sweden Democrats' Ludvig Aspling criticized municipalities for refusing to collaborate, asserting that repatriation grants are meant to encourage non-contributing residents to leave society.

The Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell defended the program, highlighting positive feedback from various municipalities and stressing alignment with Swedish values. Despite political backing from the government, rural communities are focused pragmatically on retaining all residents to sustain schools, healthcare, and welfare amid population decline. The national opposition has largely remained silent on these immigration policies, intensifying local frustration over ideological discord with national directives.