Sweden sees changes to integration policy and research on migrant youth

Nordic Migrant Expert Forum developed recommendations for im­proving migrant integration

The Nordic Migrant Expert Forum, established by the Nordic Council of Ministers and comprising 16 experts on integration born outside the Nordic region, developed recommendations for policy makers for im­proving the integration of migrants in the Nordic countries. The recommendations center on creating a shared vision of integration, ensuring inclusive learning environments, supporting youth navigating conflicting expectations, and recognising that social inclusion efforts should be mutual, involving both migrants and the majority population.

Government announces new initiatives to support the integration of migrant children

The Swedish government announced that it will examine the possible introduction of compulsory language screening for young children, to strengthen their language development. A system of compulsory language screening would identify insufficient proficiency in the Swedish language at an early stage and offer adequate support to parents. An internal inquiry will analyse and propose how such a system could be designed and implemented.

The government also requested the Ombudsman for Children to conduct a survey on the situation of children in marginalised areas, including by gathering experiences and views directly from children, and to submit proposals for concrete measures that can improve children's living conditions. The aim is to combat social exclusion and ensure that the rights of children are upheld.

Government proposes new law on the settlement of beneficiaries of international protection

The government has also submitted a proposal for a new law on the settlement of newly arrived refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and their family members, which will enter into force on 1 January 2027. The aim of the proposal is to increase the influence of municipalities over the reception of new arrivals and strengthen incentives for newly arrived migrants to actively contribute to their integration, while at the same time ensuring more equal housing support across the country by obliging municipalities to provide housing for 3 years. The allocation of new arrivals will be based on the conditions for integration in each municipality.

Government proposes limits to welfare benefits for new arrivals

The Swedish government is proposing to limit access to welfare benefits for newly arrived migrants by introducing new eligibility requirements. This means that as of 1 January 2027 certain welfare benefits, such as child and housing allowances, will only be available to migrants who have resided in Sweden for a period of 5 years within a 15-year period or who have an income from gainful employment amounting to a certain level over a specified period.

The aim of the reform is to increase the incentives for newly arrived migrants to find work, in order to reduce the risk of social exclusion and long-term dependency on social welfare. It follows a decision by the Swedish parliament in 2024 similarly restricting access to various welfare benefits for displaced Ukrainians granted temporary protection and registered as residents in Sweden.

New study on the integration of young Afghan migrants

A new interview-based study from the University of Gothenburg by researcher Live Stretmo, entitled 'Becoming a Well-Integrated Migrant in Sweden: Young Afghans Narratives of Respectable Versus Bad Migrants', examines how a group of young Afghans who arrived in Sweden as unaccompanied migrant minors talk about integration and belonging. It finds that, from their point of view, integration is perceived as an individual undertaking and becomes synonymous with a full assimilation and transformation of the inner self into "Swedishness", leaving little room for preserving Afghan identities. The study, which is published by Palgrave Macmillan, confirms a shift in attitudes towards integration, from a collective social project to an individual moral responsibility.

Government proposes changes to citizenship requirements

The government submitted a legislative proposal aimed at making requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship more stringent, including by introducing requirements of Swedish language skills and knowledge of Swedish society, as well as requiring a longer period of residence, setting a self-support requirement, and making the requirement of an honest lifestyle more stringent (citizenship may for instance be denied if the applicant has a criminal record or debts, or is deemed to pose a security risk). These changes to the law on Swedish citizenship will enter into force on 6 June this year, i.e. on the Swedish national day.

In addition, a government-appointed public inquiry has proposed legislative amendments that would allow Swedish citizenship to be revoked from dual nationals who have acquired citizenship on false grounds or who have committed certain particularly serious crimes, including offences related to national security.

Government inquiry proposes to introduce an interpretation fee for contacts with government agencies

A government-appointed inquiry is proposing restricting access to free interpretation services by introducing an interpretation fee and prohibiting government agencies from using children as interpreters. The premise of the inquiry is that there must be stronger incentives for newly arrived migrants to learn the Swedish language, in line with the country's integration policy objective. According to the proposal, exceptions will be made in certain areas, such as healthcare and dental care, and criminal proceedings, but as a general rule individuals in need of interpretation services should expect to pay an interpretation fee in their oral contacts with all government agencies, regional authorities, municipalities and courts.