Sweden to hand out first new repatriation grants

"Voluntary repatriation creates opportunities for individuals to have a new start in life, and can lead to the economy and labour market growing in another country. The inquiry chair, Joakim Ruist, had warned that increasing the grant to 350,000 kronor would only increase voluntary returns by about 700 people a year, and risked being counterproductive, by making immigrants feel unwelcome and therefore less willing to integrate."

"Sweden's migration minister Johan Forssell decided last year to push ahead with the proposal to increase the grant by 3,400 percent from January 1st 2026, despite the fact that the inquiry set up to draw up the proposals recommended abandoning the idea, judging it risky and best avoided."

"Two people from Syria and one from Cote d'Ivoire have had their applications approved. So far, around 370 people have applied for the new grant, reports Ekot. The overwhelming majority of applicants have so far been from Syria, perhaps unsurprisingly given the hopes many Syrians have for their country following the fall of the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad in December, 2024."

Sweden's Migration Agency has approved the first applications for a repatriation grant of up to 350,000 kronor, a scheme that increases the previous grant by 3,400 percent. Three individuals from Syria and Côte d'Ivoire received approval. Migration Minister Johan Forssell implemented this program despite recommendations from a government inquiry to abandon it, citing concerns that it could discourage integration. The inquiry chair warned the increased grant would only encourage approximately 700 annual returns while potentially making immigrants feel unwelcome. Around 370 people have applied for the new grant, predominantly from Syria, likely motivated by recent political changes in their home country.

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