Action Group – Sweden
Sweden has recently witnessed a wide-ranging debate regarding the stark contrast in immigration policies under the current right-wing government led by Ulf Kristersson. One side offers substantial financial incentives to those wishing to leave the country, while the other tightens controls and pursues legal action against families who leave with their children without the approval of the relevant authorities.
The Voluntary Return Allowance: Financial support of up to 600,000 kronor per family.
For years, the Swedish Migration Agency has offered the “Voluntary Return” program, which allows residents who wish to leave Sweden to receive financial support of up to approximately 600,000 Swedish kronor per family.
According to official data, the compensation amounts have been increased over the past two years after previous programs showed limited participation, in an effort to facilitate the return of those who have not successfully integrated or who prefer to start a new life in their country of origin. This support is granted within a completely voluntary legal framework, without any subsequent legal repercussions for the beneficiaries.
Pursuing Families Leaving with Their Children: A Legal File Concerning Minor Protection.
Swedish media report reveal that authorities are monitoring cases of children leaving the country without social services approval or assessment by child protection agencies.
The government treats these cases as matters of child rights, not as family migration decisions. Press reports indicate that dozens of cases are monitored annually as “illegal transfer of children,” especially after the current government’s crackdown on domestic violence and honor crimes, and the expansion of social services’ powers to track children’s situations even outside Swedish borders.
The reason for the discrepancy: Two different laws for two separate issues.
The voluntary return program serves as an option for adults wishing to leave Sweden of their own volition.
Meanwhile, the departure of children without legal procedures is subject to laws protecting minors, which remain in effect even if the child has left the country.
This creates a seemingly contradictory situation: the state supports the family’s departure on one hand, while prosecuting the child’s departure on the other.
In summary, the difference between the two cases stems from two separate legislative frameworks.
Two separate pieces of legislation:
Voluntary return: a voluntary mechanism aimed at adults who wish to end their stay in Sweden and receive financial support to help them settle abroad.
Children’s departure: subject to child protection laws, which stipulate that the state’s responsibility towards a minor continues even after they leave Sweden.
The policies of the current right-wing government demonstrate Sweden’s shift towards an approach that encourages the departure of those who do not wish to remain, while simultaneously tightening controls on all matters related to child safety. This creates a seemingly contradictory situation, but one based on entirely different legal frameworks.