Sweden to Pay Immigrants $34,000 to Return Home in New Policy Shift

In a major overhaul of its migration policy, Sweden’s government announced plans to significantly increase financial grants for immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries. From 2026, individuals can receive up to 350,000 Swedish kronor ($34,000), a considerable jump from the current limit of 40,000 kronor per family.

“We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy,” stated Migration Minister Johan Forssell during a press briefing.

Since 1984, Sweden has offered return grants, though the program remains relatively unknown. The current limit provides 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child. With backing from the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, the government believes that increasing the grant’s size will encourage more people to take advantage of the offer.

“The grant has been around since 1984, but it is relatively unknown. If the amount was larger, we believe more people would take the offer,” noted Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats.

This policy shift comes despite advice from a government probe recommending against raising the grant, citing concerns about its effectiveness relative to the cost.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who took office in 2022, has committed to addressing issues of immigration and crime, following years of challenges in integrating large numbers of migrants from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia.