Sweden, once a beacon for migrants, is now witnessing a remarkable shift in its demographic landscape. The nation is poised to receive the lowest number of asylum-seekers since 1997, and for the first time in over 50 years, the number of people leaving Sweden is set to exceed the number of arrivals.
Reversal of long-standing trends
The Ministry of Justice has reported this significant development, stating that the Sweden’s net emigration has reversed the long-standing trend of net immigration. Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has confirmed that from January to May of this year, around 5,700 more people have left Sweden than have immigrated to the country.
Enligt Migrationsverkets prognos ser Sverige ut att få det lägsta antalet asylsökanden sedan 1997, och för första gången på över 50 år har Sverige nettoutvandring.
🎥 Läs mer och se pressträff med migrationsminister @MariaStenergard här⬇️https://t.co/uTDOMP7cnD pic.twitter.com/E0kBY5zHu9
— Justitiedepartementet (@Justitiedep) August 8, 2024
What are the factors driving this transformation?
This turnaround is attributed to a combination of factors, including a historically low level of asylum applications, a decline in asylum-related residence permits, and a concerted effort by the Moderate Party-led government, with the support of the far-right Sweden Democrats, to crack down on immigration.
The data shows a 15 percent year-on-year decrease in immigration in Sweden during the early part of 2024, while emigration rose by 60 percent over the same period. Asylum applications have continued to fall, reaching their lowest level since 1997.
The trend is particularly evident among people born in countries like Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, where net immigration figures were negative in 2023. According to preliminary statistics from Statistics Sweden, the country has experienced negative net immigration up to May of this year.
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Shift in Sweden’s immigration policy
Sweden’s shift in immigration policy under the new Moderate Party-led government appears to be the driving force behind these changes. The coalition has vowed to prioritize sustainable immigration and strengthen integration efforts to reduce social exclusion.
This development marks a significant departure from Sweden’s long-standing reputation as a welcoming haven for migrants, particularly those fleeing war-torn regions. The country’s new approach to immigration has undoubtedly sparked a profound transformation in its demographic landscape.
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