Background & Purpose
The government wants to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers and ensure that labor immigration is better controlled. There was a clear divide in parliament, where several opposition parties opposed the stricter requirements.
The Decision
The Swedish Parliament decided to introduce stricter salary and insurance requirements for work permits and created new criminal laws against labor exploitation.
Does this affect you?
- Foreign workers: They must meet new, stricter requirements regarding salary and health insurance to get a work permit in Sweden.
- Swedish employers: They face stricter controls and higher financial penalties if they hire people who lack the legal right to work in Sweden.
In Practice
- Employers must now meet specific salary requirements to hire labor from outside the EU.
- Foreign workers must have comprehensive health insurance to be granted a permit.
- It becomes a specific crime to exploit foreign workers or trade in work permits.
- Employers who hire people without the right to work in Sweden will face higher financial penalties.
- Highly skilled workers get easier access to apply for residency while already in Sweden.