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Features · Power & Consequence · Published 8 August 2026

Sweden wants fewer asylum seekers. Its welfare system still needs workers from abroad

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DailySweden
Updated 12:14 · 2 min read

A care worker walks beside an older person using a wheeled walker outdoors in Malmö.
A care worker walks beside an older person using a wheeled walker outdoors in Malmö.. Image: Malmö stad / Medieanvändning

The welfare sector accounts for more than one-fifth of Sweden’s labour market and already has recruitment problems. Foreign-born employees have become increasingly important in care and preschool.

An IFAU report says lower immigration will reduce a historically important recruitment route. Sweden’s ageing population is also increasing

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