In a move aimed at encouraging immigrants to leave the country, the Swedish government has announced a significant increase in grants for those who choose to return to their home countries.
Starting from 2026, immigrants who voluntarily return home will be eligible to receive up to 350,000 Swedish kronor ($34,000), a substantial increase from the current 10,000 kronor.
This development presents an opportunity for Nigerians living in the Scandinavian nation to take advantage of the grant and return home.
With the current exchange rate, the amount translates to approximately N55,930,000 in Nigerian currency and a substantial sum that could aid in resettlement.
The Migration Minister Johan Forssell, said: “We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy.”
The right-wing government, supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats aims to encourage more migrants to leave the country.
Currently, immigrants can receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a cap of 40,000 kronor per family.
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However, Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats noted that the grant has been relatively unknown and underutilized due to its small size.
The announcement comes despite a government-appointed probe advising against a significant increase in the grant, citing concerns about effectiveness and potential costs. Nevertheless, Conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson remains committed to addressing immigration and crime, a key promise during his 2022 campaign.
Sweden has struggled to integrate immigrants, despite taking in a large number since the 1990s, mostly from conflict-ridden countries. This new policy aims to incentivize voluntary return and alleviate the challenges associated with immigration.
For Nigerians living in Sweden, this grant presents a potential opportunity to return home and resettle with financial support.
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