Increased number of returns and initiatives for repatriation

Increased number of returns

Individuals whose application for residence permits have been rejected and who are not entitled to reside in Sweden on other grounds must leave the country. To this end, the Swedish Migration Agency, the Swedish Police and the Swedish Tax Agency have been given an enhanced mandate to collaborate.

The capacity of the detention centres will continue to increase and alternatives to detention will be investigated. These could include some type of electronic surveillance, or an obligation to live in an accommodation centre while awaiting enforcement of the return decision. The Government will work to encourage states to fulfil their obligations under international law to readmit their own citizens who are not entitled to stay in Sweden, including non-voluntary returns.  This will be achieved through intensified political dialogue with the relevant third countries. The requirement of a well-functioning return system will also be considered in other relevant policy areas, such as visa policy and development aid.

Repatriation initiatives

Individuals who are resident in Sweden and want to return to their home countries will be given information concerning the possibilities for repatriation and the assistance and support they can receive. The Swedish Migration Agency’s appropriation directions for 2023 specify the goal of increasing repatriation. To this end, the Swedish Migration Agency will conduct information campaigns aimed at increasing knowledge about available support for repatriation.

The Government also intends to appoint an inquiry to investigate how to stimulate voluntary repatriation through financial incentives and other support.