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Sweden Pays Non‑EU Residents to Leave in Election‑Season Migration Push

The cash-for-leaving programme sits alongside tighter residency rules and mandatory citizenship tests as the government seeks to show firmness on migration to voters.

Elena Ibrahim, an immigrant who fled Sudan eight years ago, stands next to wire fencing in central Stockholm, Sweden, September 7, 2026. REUTERS/Johan Ahlander
The leader of the Sweden Democrats, Jimmie Akesson, listens after a campaign event ahead of the election in Nykoping, Sweden, September 7, 2026. REUTERS/Tom Little/File Photo
A mural in the Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby. AFP
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Overview

  • The government offers non-EU residents up to 350,000 Swedish crowns to leave, backed by a 1.3 billion SEK budget, but only 171 people have accepted the payment so far.
  • The scheme was rolled out in 2026 and is being promoted by the ruling coalition with vocal support from the Sweden Democrats, who ran adverts targeting Somali communities.
  • New rules introduced this year end automatic permanent residency, require reapplication after three years, and make citizenship applicants take mandatory tests.
  • Researchers and rights groups say there is little evidence cash-for-return programmes drive large-scale voluntary exits and warn the policy risks stigmatizing migrants and prompting skilled departures.
  • The policy is being watched and praised by right-wing parties in Europe and is likely to shape campaign debates ahead of the Sept. 13 election while producing limited immediate returns for the state.