Over 780 applications for return migration allowance – only 200 granted

Until last year, returnees could be granted SEK 10,000 in grants. As part of the government's mission to the Swedish Migration Agency to increase return migration, the grant was increased this year.

"Sweden has had a system for voluntary return migration for over 40 years, but we have noted that the low levels of the grant may have contributed to the fact that few have applied for and been granted the grant in the past," writes Migration Minister Johan Forssell to DN.

The fact that roughly 200 have been granted the grant so far this year can be compared to a single person receiving it in 2025.

However, it is not possible to say how much money has currently gone to returnees, according to Didzis Melbiksis at the Swedish Migration Agency's press service.

- The grant is awarded in three stages. The first part here, the second part upon arrival in the country and the last part approximately 15 months after arriving. A person who has been granted SEK 350,000 has therefore not received everything yet, he says.

The subsidy increase means increased costs, but there are no plans to limit how many people can be granted the subsidy in the future, according to Johan Forssell.

- It is not relevant for a transitional government to review further changes, he writes.

For the past three years, the Swedish Migration Agency has been tasked by the government with increasing return migration in various ways. In 2026, the authority has, among other things, been tasked with informing people and organizations that the return migration allowance exists and has been increased.

Why should this be part of the Swedish Migration Agency's work?

"It is important that the Swedish authorities inform about the opportunities for help and support that can be obtained. This applies not least to people who are far away from the labor market and in long-term exclusion," writes Johan Forssell.

350 of the applications have been rejected and roughly 70 have been written off. The most common reason for rejection is that those who applied did not have the "correct permit".

This could mean, for example, that you received a residence permit after September 12, 2024, that you are in Sweden with a work permit or that you plan to move to an EU/EEA country, according to Didzis Melbiksis at the Migration Agency. Ukrainians in need of protection cannot be granted the grant either, according to him.

Which country you can get re-migration allowance to move to is determined by where you have a residence permit or citizenship.

- You must be able to point out a country where you have the right to reside, says Didzis Melbiksis.

There is a fairly large proportion who have not received the grant. Has it been sufficiently clear who the grant is aimed at?

"Our impression is that it was clear, but given the increase, interest has also increased. We also see a large increase in the number of applications received and granted," writes Johan Forssell.