Sweden is betting on returning migrants. For leaving the country a crucial amount

Sweden has late been a symbol of openness and hospitality towards migrants. This country, with only 10,5 million inhabitants, adopted more than 160 000 refugees in 2015 alone, the most per citizen of the EU. For years there was a image of a country that – prosperous, organized, with a strong social strategy – welcomed those who fled war and poverty.

Today Sweden says halt and reverses the vector. A fresh direction? Migrants are not only not expected to arrive, but besides to return voluntarily to their countries of origin – for quite a few money.

The thought of offering a one-off payment of up to 350 000 Swedish krona (about EUR 32,000) to people who decide to return to their country is reasonable for many citizens. For how long can a strategy that is facing expanding costs, integration difficulties and social tensions each year be dragged forward?

Although it can be debated whether this form of incentive will work, it is hard not to admit that the approach of the current government is logical. Since integration does not deliver the desired results and the social situation deteriorates – it is time to look for another solutions.

Why is Sweden changing its approach?

The current government, supported by the Swedish Democrats party, has come to power on the wave of increasing social discontent. Gang crime problems, riots in multicultural neighborhoods, low employment rates among migrants are only part of the challenges. More and more Swedes started asking themselves: is open door policy truly working?

In this context, the thought of "paid return" – voluntary but well-paid. The presumption is simple: if individual cannot or does not want to integrate, it is better for him to have a chance to return and start surviving again where he came from. And with capital that can make a real difference.

Admittedly, the proposal is not only bold but pragmatic. Sweden does not force, it does not deport by force. It gives you a choice. The “stick and carrot” rule here only takes the form of carrots – and highly mature.

Data that translate course change

According to data from early 2024, Sweden had more than 1.6 million third-country nationals, accounting for over 15% of the population. In addition, about half a million are citizens of another EU countries. In total, this gives almost 1 5th of the population born outside the country.

Among these groups, the majority are Muslim people. It is estimated that in 2025 there are about 700–800 000 Muslims in Sweden – even 8% of the population. Although religion itself is not a problem, it is already a failed integration – yes. Just look at data on unemployment and education among migrants to realize the scale of difficulties.

Moreover, in 2023 only 1 of 70 applications for voluntary return was accepted. The government rightly notes that the current incentive strategy does not work – low payouts and deficiency of real benefits do not motivate anyone to make a return decision. That is why the proposed change: up to 350 000 crowns for those who choose to leave freely.

Is this truly gonna work?

The main question mark appears here. Although the amount is tempting, returning to countries like Iraq, Afghanistan or Somalia is not always a viable option. any have fled war, persecution, no families, no prospects. Even with money, not everyone will be ready to come back to life in uncertainty.

Besides, cash alone won't solve the problem. You can go back, but then what? Will the country of origin accept specified a individual with open arms? Will it be able to function there? The Swedish Government assumes that any migrants – especially those with marginal status, without a right of residence, without a occupation – will consider the amount offered as an chance for a fresh start. But it is not known whether this will actually translate into mass return decisions.

Still, it is hard not to admit that a change of course was necessary. Openness has its price. And Sweden paid it for years, frequently at the expense of its own citizens. Housing problems, overburdened schools and wellness centers, expanding crime – all of this could not last forever.

The government's proposal is not perfect, but it is simply a signal: no more naivety. Sweden no longer wants to be a country that accepts everyone unconditionally and bears unilateral costs. He wants to run a rational policy – giving a choice, but besides taking care of his own interests.

The introduction of advanced financial incentives to return is not a capitulation, but a fresh approach to a hard problem. And possibly this proposal – a combination of voluntaryness, realism and a circumstantial offer – will prove more effective than the existing half-measures.