Sweden Links Immigration to Social Issues, Tightens Asylum Rules
Sweden's migration minister attributes social problems to large-scale immigration, as the country implements stricter asylum policies. With emigration surpassing immigration, Sweden aims to address integration challenges and gang-related crime.
Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden's migration minister, has drawn a connection between the country's social challenges and its history of large-scale immigration. As of 2024, Sweden has experienced a significant shift in its migration patterns, with more people leaving the country than entering it for the first time in five decades.
The conservative-led coalition, which assumed power in 2022, has implemented stricter asylum regulations, resulting in a substantial decrease in asylum applications. By July 28, 2024, Sweden had received 5,600 asylum claims, marking a 27% reduction compared to the same period in the previous year. This puts the country on track to reach its lowest number of asylum claims since 1997.
Stenergard attributes various social issues to the combination of extensive immigration and inadequate integration efforts. These problems include overcrowded housing, subpar educational outcomes, honor-related oppression, and criminal activities. The minister emphasized the need to address these challenges while maintaining low levels of asylum immigration for an extended period.
Sweden, known for its historically generous immigration policies, has been grappling with an increase in gang-related violence in recent years. Law enforcement authorities have warned that approximately 62,000 individuals are associated with gangs in the country, contributing to Sweden having the highest gun-crime death rate in the European Union.
The government has introduced several measures to tackle these issues:
- Tightening regulations for family reunification and citizenship
- Prioritizing the return of individuals without legal status
- Reviewing existing legislation
- Implementing stricter language requirements for immigrants
- Considering reforms to the asylum reception system
- Exploring the establishment of return centers
Stenergard emphasized that while Sweden maintains a humane and legally sound policy, the goal is to align the country's approach with that of other nations. She acknowledged that Sweden's previously generous asylum policies resulted in a disproportionately high number of asylum seekers choosing the country.
"We have a humane and legally sound policy, but our goal is to align ourselves with other countries. In the past, we have stood out, which has resulted in a disproportionately high number of people seeking asylum in Sweden specifically."
The government is also considering reforms to the welfare system, including implementing caps and qualification requirements for benefits. Stenergard noted that currently, one-third of foreign-born individuals in Sweden are not self-sufficient, which she deems unsustainable for maintaining the country's welfare model.
Sweden's approach to immigration and integration has evolved significantly since joining the European Union in 1995. The country, known for its high standard of living and progressive policies on gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, is now focusing on balancing its humanitarian traditions with the need for effective integration and social cohesion.
As Sweden navigates these complex issues, it remains committed to its core values of openness and humanitarianism while addressing the challenges posed by large-scale immigration and integration. The government's efforts aim to create a more sustainable and inclusive society for all residents, regardless of their origin.
