In a significant turn of events, Sweden is expected to experience net emigration in 2024 for the first time in over five decades. The Swedish government has implemented stricter asylum legislation and taken measures to reduce migration levels. Net migration dropped significantly, with 5,700 fewer people arriving than leaving in 2024. This change is not influenced by wider European trends, but rather a direct result of the new government’s policies aimed at curbing mass migration.
The number of asylum seekers has decreased considerably, with just 5,600 applications this year, compared to 85,000 in 2016. This decline is primarily due to stricter asylum legislation and the government’s efforts to combat the “shadow society,” which allows illegal migrants to thrive. Other measures include increasing returns and repatriations, cracking down on low-skill migration, revoking more residence permits for those who abuse Sweden’s hospitality, and emphasizing the importance of learning Swedish customs, language, and values for migrants wishing to settle in the country.
The new policies aim to integrate migrants into Swedish society, as opposed to fostering parallel communities. This change in direction comes after years of high migration levels that made integration difficult, leading to alienation among both native Swedes and migrants. The journey from Reinfeldt’s call for open hearts in 2014 to the current policies reflects a significant shift in the Swedish approach to immigration and multiculturalism.