International
Swedish govt entices Nigerians, others with N55.9m to return home
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.
READ ALSO: Sweden displace USA as highest-ranked women team in world
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.
Join the conversation
Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism
Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.
As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.
If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.
Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.