City of Stockholm establishes integration pact
In an inspiring example for municipalities within and beyond Sweden, the City of Stockholm established an integration pact that brings together representatives of private businesses, civil society and the public sector in an open network, with the aim of contributing to an inclusive local labour market, including for newly arrived migrants.
The pact addresses issues such as education and employment, skills supply, and inclusion and diversity. Its activities and meeting formats are flexible and adaptable, and have already been adjusted, for example, to better meet the evolving needs and changing circumstances of people displaced from Ukraine.
Repatriation grants increase for third-country nationals
The Swedish government significantly increased the grant awarded to legally resident third-country nationals (TCNs) who volunteer to repatriate, including refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. According to migration minister Johan Forssell, the aim of the grant is to give individuals who do not feel sufficiently integrated into Swedish society the chance to return their country of origin. Detailed information in English about the new grant scheme – launching on 1 January 2026 – is available from the Swedish Migration Agency.
The government also appointed a national co-ordinator for voluntary repatriation, who will engage in dialogue with municipalities in order to strengthen the support available to TCNs who wish to repatriate.
New report on policy frameworks for migrant integration in the Nordic countries
Nordregio, an international research institute established by the Nordic Council of Ministers, published a new overview of policy frameworks for migrant integration in the Nordic countries.
According to the findings of the report, Sweden and other Nordic countries have in recent years moved to tighten migration and integration policy frameworks, shifting from a rights-based approach to one centred on migrants’ obligations and individual responsibility.
Changes to permanent residence permits
A government-appointed inquiry proposed the abolishment of permanent residence permits for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and the general revocation of permanent residence permits already granted. These measures would also apply to individuals holding EU long-term resident status. Migration minister Johan Forssell announced that those affected by the abolishment would be encouraged to apply for Swedish citizenship, which would be beneficial for integration. A legislative proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
New report on the state of migrant integration in Nordic countries
The OECD, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, published a new report on the state of migrant integration in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. It examines integration across the areas of labour market, education, language learning, social outcomes and civic participation, highlighting both strengths and challenges in ensuring equal opportunities and long-term social cohesion.
The report concludes that continued effort on integration is needed – including via focus on combating discrimination and reducing skills mismatch – to ensure that migrants can fully realise their potential and contribute to dynamic, innovative and cohesive societies.
New study on temporary protection of displaced people from Ukraine
A new study on the temporary protection of displaced people from Ukraine in Sweden and Finland has been published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. It focuses on the implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive in the context of recent changes to migration and integration policy in both countries.
Written by researchers Saara Koikkalainen, Oksana Shmulyar Gréen, Joni Virkkunen, Azmeary Ferdoush and Svitlana Odynets, the study highlights national differences and similarities in the treatment of people displaced from Ukraine.