Sweden is taking a tougher approach to immigration ahead of its September 13 election, with the government offering foreign-born residents with non-EU residency permits up to 350,000 Swedish crowns (around $37,000) to leave the country. The policy marks a major shift for Sweden, which was once among Europe’s most welcoming countries for asylum seekers. The country received around 163,000 asylum seekers in 2015, but the number had fallen sharply by 2025.

The government says the voluntary “remigration” scheme is part of its broader effort to reduce immigration and address concerns over integration and crime. The programme has a budget of 1.3 billion Swedish crowns and has attracted support from the Sweden Democrats, a far-right party that supports the government in parliament. However, uptake has remained low, with only 171 people accepting the financial offer so far this year. Critics argue the programme is largely symbolic and designed to demonstrate a tougher stance on migration.

The policy has also sparked concern among immigrant communities and civil rights groups. Many immigrants interviewed by Reuters said they had no intention of leaving Sweden, citing their jobs, families, safety and hopes for a better future. The government has introduced other stricter measures, including citizenship tests and changes to residency rules. With opinion polls showing a close race between the governing bloc and the centre-left opposition, immigration remains one of the key issues shaping Sweden’s election debate.

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