Sweden wants fewer asylum seekers. Its welfare system still needs workers from abroad
Sweden is relying more heavily on foreign-born workers in care and preschool. Researchers warn that lower immigration will make those services harder to staff.
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 demand for care, where many jobs are difficult to automate.
Parliament approved asylum changes on 9 June, and most took effect on 12 July. The government said the aim included continuing to reduce asylum immigration.
Parliament also approved work-permit rules that took effect on 1 June. The general salary threshold is 90 percent of the median wage. A government regulation exempts 27 shortage occupations and other groups, which use a 75 percent threshold. Important healthcare roles are among the exemptions.
Asylum seekers, family migrants and labour migrants enter under different rules, and not every newcomer fills a shortage. IFAU’s finding is narrower: lower immigration reduces a recruitment channel that care and preschool have used for years.
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