What happened
200 people have received the Swedish repatriation grant to voluntarily leave the country since the amount was raised at the beginning of the year. Migrationsverket states that it is a challenge to reach out to people who might consider leaving Sweden in exchange for compensation while simultaneously avoiding stigmatising them. The agency also points out that the current geopolitical situation affects how many choose to apply for the support. In addition, there are practical problems with paying out the grant money in the recipients' countries of origin.
Our analysis
Migrationsverket is managing the increased grant, but the figure of 200 people shows how difficult it is to turn the idea into reality. The agency itself acknowledges the inherent conflict: offering money to make people leave Sweden inevitably risks singling out and stigmatising new Swedes. The reporting outlines the agency's obstacles, but lacks answers as to what actually awaits the 200 people once the money has been paid out. How Migrationsverket will resolve payouts in recipient countries going forward without creating new obstacles remains an open question.
Explained
A repatriation grant is government financial support given to people who voluntarily choose to return and settle in their country of origin.
Source: Radio Sweden English