Sweden is experiencing a dramatic shift in migratory trends this year. For the first time in over fifty years, more people are leaving Sweden than arriving. This change represents a major break from the country's previous immigration tendencies.

Historic Drop in Immigration and Asylum Applications

In early August, Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated that Sweden is witnessing "negative net immigration." This means that between January and May 2024, 5,700 more people departed Sweden than entered.

Stenergard emphasized that asylum applications are at a historical low. The number of asylum-related residency permits is likewise declining. Sweden is experiencing its first net emigration in five decades.

The present tendency is not unprecedented. Sweden experienced a similar dip in asylum applications in 2016, with 28,939 down from 162,877 in 2015. Previously, Sweden was recognized for its accommodating attitude toward refugees.

However, the government has implemented tighter immigration rules. Sweden's liberal immigration policy was stopped by the Social Democrats at the end of 2015. They imposed stricter measures, which have been maintained by the current Moderate-led administration.

Impact of Restrictive Policies and Public Response

The current government, which is supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, has imposed numerous strict regulations. One such regulation is the proposed "snitch law," which would compel public employees to report undocumented immigrants. This measure seeks to tighten immigration regulations even more.

The UN Refugee Agency reported that Sweden's refugee applications are at a record low. They are surprised that, despite global displacement being at an all-time high, Sweden is receiving fewer asylum seekers. Annika Sandlund, UNHCR's representative for the Nordic and Baltic nations, saw an unusual trend of net outflow in Sweden.

The Swedish National Statistics Agency, SCB, has upheld the claim of negative net immigration for the year but has suggested that real emigration numbers may be lower than recorded.

This disparity is due to a recent update operation that removed people who had already left Sweden from the population registry. The government also reported that immigration rates in the first quarter of 2024 were at their lowest level since 2005.

According to aid organizations, the government's stringent policies are forcing people to flee or seek asylum elsewhere. Many immigrants are concerned about the tough restrictions and have considered leaving Sweden.

Tobias Hübinette, a senior lecturer at Karlstad University, describes the development as "historic." He blames it on the influence of the Sweden Democrats and tighter immigration restrictions.

In recent years, the public's hostility to restrictive regulations has decreased. Many people support the stricter approach, and even assistance agencies like Farr see an increasing acceptance of harsh immigration policies. This trend reflects larger cultural shifts and changing attitudes toward immigration in Sweden.

FAQS

What refers to the "snitch law" in Sweden?

The "snitch law" is a proposed regulation that would legally bind public employees to report unauthorized immigrants to the police. This law is part of the government's broader drive to tighten immigration controls.

How has public opinion in Sweden changed on immigration?

Swedish public opinion has changed toward embracing stricter immigration laws. Even organizations that help immigrants have observed an increasing popular acceptance of these harsher policies.