Sweden
(bpb) Lizenz: cc by-nc-nd/2.0/de
Country profile Sweden 2015 Country profile Sweden 2009
(bpb) Lizenz: cc by-nc-nd/2.0/de Country profile Sweden 2015 Country profile Sweden 2009
Bernd Parusel
Country Profile Sweden: Introduction
Sweden, the biggest country in Scandinavia with a population of just under ten million people, is today a multicultural society. In recent years, the immigration of people in need of protection, family members of migrants already resident in the country, as well as foreign workers and international students, has increased. In addition, European Union (EU) citizens, Norwegians and Icelanders are free to settle and work in Sweden.
Bernd Parusel
Historical Development of Migration to and from Sweden
Sweden is a country of immigration with a multicultural society. The country actively promotes the immigration of foreign labor. Instead of pursuing a "guest worker policy" as other European countries did, the Swedish government already in the 1960s assumed that labor migrants would stay, integrate and finally become Swedish citizens.
Bernd Parusel
Current Trends in Immigration to Sweden
Sweden's history of immigration dates back to times before the creation of the nation-state in its current boundaries. In more recent years, the immigration of family members of migrants already resident in Sweden dominated. In addition, the number of asylum seekers has risen significantly.
Bernd Parusel
Sweden's Immigration Policy
Sweden is known for its comparatively open immigration policy. Although the xenophobic "Sweden Democrats" party has managed to strongly increase their presence in the political system since 2010, the government has – so far – maintained their openness towards immigration.
Bernd Parusel
Swedish Integration Policy
Sweden has long since recognized the fact that immigrants often do not only temporarily stay in the country, but remain in Sweden permanently. Unlike many other countries that recruited so-called "guest workers" in the 1960s and 1970s, Sweden therefore fostered an active integration policy from the outset. Nevertheless, in recent years, high numbers of immigrants provoked some serious challenges.
Bernd Parusel
The Immigration of Workers and Circular Migration
Sweden pursues an open immigration policy and actively encourages the recruitment of foreign labor. In 2008, the system of hiring foreign labor was reformed. Additionally, Parliament agreed to facilitated circular migration in 2014.
Bernd Parusel
Citizenship Acquisition in Sweden
In comparison with many other countries, Sweden has a fairly liberal citizenship law. It offers immigrants the possibility to naturalize after only a few years of residence in Sweden.
Bernd Parusel
Asylum and Refugees in Sweden
Sweden is among those European Union Member States which take in the highest number of asylum seekers. The significant increase in the number of asylum applications in recent years has, however, put the reception system under pressure. This is especially true with regard to the accommodation of asylum seekers and recognized refugees.
Bernd Parusel
Irregular Migration in Sweden
Sweden attracts many immigrants. Yet, not all of them have a valid residence permit. Especially rejected asylum seekers abscond to avoid forced return to their countries of origin. Swedish society and the Scandinavian welfare state, however, do not leave much room for irregular stays.
Bernd Parusel
Immigration in Sweden: Future Challenges
In recent years, immigration to Sweden reached record levels. This has provoked challenges that have to be solved. Especially on the housing and labor market, immigrants compete with other population groups. In the political system, the xenophobic "Sweden Democrats" party has gained increasing influence. Nonetheless, the government has (so far) maintained its open immigration policy.
Country Profile 18: Sweden
References
Here you can find a list of references for the Country Profile "Sweden" by Bernd Parusel.
Kurzdossiers
Zuwanderung, Flucht und Asyl: Aktuelle Themen
Ein Kurzdossier legt komplexe Zusammenhänge aus den Bereichen Zuwanderung, Flucht und Asyl sowie Integration auf einfache und klare Art und Weise dar. Es bietet einen fundierten Einstieg in eine bestimmte Thematik, in dem es den Hintergrund näher beleuchtet und verschiedene Standpunkte wissenschaftlich und kritisch abwägt. Darüber hinaus enthält es Hinweise auf weiterführende Literatur und Internet-Verweise. Dies eröffnet die Möglichkeit, sich eingehender mit der Thematik zu befassen. Unsere Kurzdossiers erscheinen bis zu 6-mal jährlich.
