Several Swedish municipalities are declining the government's invitation for dialogue on voluntary repatriation. The Left Party proposes redirecting 1.4 billion kronor from the repatriation grant to rural municipalities. Migration Minister Johan Forssell criticizes the decisions and stresses the importance of providing information to residents.
The government's national coordinator Teresa Zetterblad sent a letter in September to all municipalities inviting them to a meeting on strengthening voluntary repatriation efforts. Many have declined, including Jokkmokk, Kiruna, Malmö, Lund, Sala, and Växjö. In Jokkmokk, municipal council chair Roland Boman (FJK) called the policy 'an un-Swedish way of viewing people and their value' and wrote 'Thanks, but no thanks'. In Malmö, councilor Sedat Arif emphasized that it is important for everyone who has found a safe place to feel welcome. In Lund, governed by Moderates and Social Democrats, M leader Rasmus Törnblom said: 'This is not an important issue for Lund'. In Sala, councilor Amanda Lindblad (S) stated: 'We do not differentiate between Sala residents'.
In Norrbotten, ten of 14 municipalities have said no, such as Arvidsjaur, Gällivare, and Luleå, while Övertorneå has not closed the door. Councilor Tomas Mörtberg (C) called the resistance 'mocking and disrespectful'. According to Zetterblad, 65 municipalities have accepted dialogue.
The government wants to raise the repatriation grant from 10,000 kronor per adult to 350,000 kronor, and up to 600,000 kronor for a family, effective January 1, 2026. Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M) criticized the refusals: 'Municipal politicians should not play gatekeepers' and argued it involves withholding information. Sverigedemokraterna's Ludvig Aspling defended the proposal, saying the 1.4 billion is an expense but will lead to savings for municipalities, with no specific targets.
The Left Party proposes redirecting the 1.4 billion to rural municipalities. Tony Haddou (V) called the grant 'money down the drain' and 'expensive and ineffective', and the party plans a committee initiative during the budget process.
