Sweden's Immigration Policy Shift: Families Face Deportation and Uncertainty

In recent years, Sweden has implemented significant changes to its immigration policies, resulting in thousands of families facing deportation. The centre-right government, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, aims to shift focus from asylum seekers to labor immigration, leading to the lowest number of asylum applications since 1985. This policy shift has created a precarious environment for many individuals who have established lives in Sweden.

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

Sofiye, an asylum seeker from Uzbekistan, exemplifies the plight of many affected by these changes. After living in Sweden for over a decade, she now faces deportation despite her contributions to society, including working for the municipality and raising her children in the Swedish education system. Sofiye's situation reflects a broader trend, as thousands of long-term residents, including those with children born in Sweden, are now at risk of being sent back to their countries of origin.

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

The government's recent measures include placing asylum seekers in reception centres rather than providing individual accommodations and offering "repatriation grants" for voluntary departure. Stricter conditions for citizenship and family reunification have also been introduced, requiring more documentation and in-person visits for applicants. These changes have led to a significant increase in deportations, with 8,312 individuals returning to their home countries in 2025, the highest number in a decade.

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

Life in the reception and return centres is challenging, with many residents experiencing anxiety and mental health issues. Nannie Sköld, a counsellor at Stockholm Stadsmission, highlights the fear and uncertainty faced by those with deportation orders. The centres, while open for movement, often lack adequate resources, leaving families to survive on minimal funds. The environment can be particularly distressing for children and vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ individuals, who may feel unsafe in shared spaces.

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

Critics argue that the current policies contradict Sweden's historical commitment to human rights and humanitarian values. Many individuals, like Thamer and Faten from Iraq, express frustration over their inability to secure work or residency despite their willingness to contribute to society. Thamer, who has faced threats from criminal organizations in Iraq, questions the rationale behind the government's stance, stating, “What do they want more than that? I am not a criminal.”

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

The Swedish Migration Agency has stated that it is working to ensure the safety of reception centres, particularly for vulnerable populations. However, the agency has not commented on individual cases, leaving many families in limbo. As the political landscape remains largely unchanged, observers predict that the hardline immigration policies will continue, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming general election.

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

• “I cannot sleep. I sleep just one or two hours. I throw up. I am so stressed. I don’t want to speak to the children because here,” — Sofiye, Asylum Seeker

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

• “If you do not want to become part of this community, you should not come to Sweden,” — Swedish Government Statement

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

• “There is a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety,” — Nannie Sköld, Counsellor at Stockholm Stadsmission

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

• “I write as well, not just speak. What do they want more than that? I am not a criminal.” — Thamer, Asylum Seeker

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown

The ongoing immigration crackdown in Sweden raises critical questions about the future of those who have built their lives in the country, as well as the nation's commitment to its humanitarian principles.

‘A lot of fear’: the families bearing brunt of Sweden’s immigration crackdown