The Swedish government wants to encourage immigrants to return home by dramatically increasing financial repatriation support. National coordinator Teresa Zetterblad has approached municipalities across the country to discuss strengthening voluntary return programs.
Several municipalities declined the invitation for dialogue, including Jokkmokk in northern Sweden. Other communities agreed to participate. By Tuesday afternoon, 65 municipalities had accepted the dialogue offer according to Zetterblad.
The proposal would raise repatriation support from the current 10,000 kronor for adults to 350,000 kronor. Families could receive up to 600,000 kronor under the new plan.
The regulatory changes are currently out for consultation and would take effect in January 2026 if approved. This substantial increase reflects the government's push to make voluntary return more attractive amid ongoing integration challenges.
The policy faces practical hurdles as local politicians in municipalities like Jokkmokk resist becoming what one official called 'gatekeepers' for repatriation decisions. The government's approach puts municipal leaders in a difficult position between national policy and local community needs.