A national coordinator for voluntary return migration has contacted municipalities across Sweden. The official requested discussions about local implementation of return migration programs. Several municipalities have declined these meeting invitations. Their refusals have sparked debate and drawn criticism from Migration Minister Johan Forssell.
Local reporters contacted ten municipalities in Västmanland County this week. Only six provided responses about their positions. Sala Municipality, governed by the Social Democrats, clearly rejected the proposal. Skinnskatteberg, led by the Sweden Democrats, has already scheduled a January meeting with the coordinator.
Three municipalities—Fagersta, Köping, and Surahammar—haven't yet addressed the issue. Västerås presents a complicated situation where civil servants booked a meeting while the council chair publicly opposed the plan. Four municipalities haven't responded at all.
Migration Minister Forssell criticized municipal politicians who block discussions. He stated local politicians should not act as gatekeepers for these conversations.
The government's proposal would dramatically increase return migration payments. Individual adults could receive 350,000 Swedish kronor instead of the current 10,000 kronor. Maximum family payments would reach 600,000 kronor under the new plan.
These regulation changes are currently out for consultation. They could take effect in early 2026 if approved.
The divided responses reveal underlying political tensions about migration policy. Municipalities appear to be making symbolic statements through their meeting responses rather than engaging in policy discussions.