Sweden's new repatriation grants of up to $32,500 spark debate

Sweden will increase support for immigrants who decide to return to their homeland from $10 to as much as $32,500. This is another controversial idea in the country, following the "whistleblower law."

Currently, Sweden pays immigrants $930, known as a repatriation allowance (for children, it is $470). The support is directed to people who have obtained temporary or permanent residence permits but for various reasons want to voluntarily return to their country. Few applications are received.

- Last year, one person took advantage of the grant - informed Johan Forssell, Minister for Migration, on Thursday, quoted by "Aftonbladet."

The government and the Swedish Democrats want more immigrants to leave the Scandinavian country voluntarily. That is why they intend to significantly increase the grant, up to $32,500 for an adult, for returning to their homeland. The decision on this matter has already been made, and the new regulations will come into effect in 2026.

As researcher Joakim Ruist points out in the Swedish newspaper, about 400,000-500,000 foreigners currently in Sweden are long-term unemployed, unemployed, or having difficulty supporting themselves.

Sweden, grappling with a wave of crime and gang wars involving immigrants, has been tightening its migration policy since the change of power.

The latest idea reported by the media is the so-called whistleblower law, under which public sector employees (teachers, doctors) were to report any contact with an illegal immigrant.