Sweden has announced a financial incentive of Ksh 4.3 million to encourage Kenyans and other migrants to return to their home countries.
This move follows a significant increase in the number of migrants entering the Scandinavian nation.
According to the Swedish government, the decision arises as the nation faces challenges in accommodating the growing immigrant population.
To alleviate the pressure on its resources, the current administration is offering this sum to migrants, including those from Kenya, as a means to facilitate their repatriation.
The government started the initiative in a bid to reduce the migrant population, particularly targeting those who are unemployed or engaged in activities that are perceived to undermine Swedish societal values.
“We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy,” Migration Minister Johan Forssell said.
The proposed financial assistance would be allocated exclusively to immigrants who choose to return to their home countries voluntarily starting in 2026.
Presently, Kenyan immigrants and others are eligible to receive up to Ksh 126,204 for each adult and Ksh 62,600 for each child, with a maximum limit of Ksh 504,816.
A politician from the Democratic Party in Sweden disclosed that the provision of grants to immigrants by the Swedish government has been in place for an extended period, yet very few individuals are aware of this initiative.
He further noted that if public awareness of the grant were to increase and its amount were to be raised, a greater number of individuals would likely accept the funds and depart.
Additionally, he mentioned that this incentive would likely attract migrants, including Kenyans, who have lived in Sweden for an extended duration without employment or who fall within the category of low-income earners.
Immigrants in Europe
The surge of immigrants to Europe has been driven by a combination of factors, including conflict, political instability, economic insecurity and demographic pressures.
One of the most significant drivers has been ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and the recent conflict in Ukraine.
Economic factors also play a crucial role in this immigration wave.
Many migrants are motivated by the search for better economic opportunities due to high unemployment rates and poor living conditions in their home countries.
While legal migration pathways exist, many individuals resort to irregular crossings due to restrictive immigration policies.
The EU recorded approximately 380,000 irregular crossings in 2023, marking the highest number since 2016.
This trend underscores the desperation many migrants feel as they attempt to reach European shores.
Demographic changes within Europe also contribute to the need for immigration.
With aging populations leading to labor shortages, there is an increasing demand for younger workers from abroad.
