A recent study in Sweden reveals that four out of five refugees have traveled back to their home countries for holidays, raising doubts about the legitimacy of some asylum claims.
Conducted by Novus for Bulletin, the research shows that 79% of refugees and 92% of family migrants have revisited their birth nations. In contrast, only 41% of adoptees have done so since arriving in Sweden.
This trend sparks debate about asylum policies, as returning to countries refugees once fled raises questions about their initial claims of persecution or danger.
Sweden allows refugees with permanent residence to travel freely, though asylum status can be revoked if protection is no longer needed or false information was provided. Other nations take a tougher stance. Switzerland restricts such travel almost entirely, while Germany has investigated and revoked residence permits in similar cases. Former German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer argued, “If someone regularly goes on holiday to Syria, he cannot claim to be in danger there.”
Most cite family ties, cultural connections, and nostalgia as reasons for visiting their birth countries. For family migrants, maintaining relationships is especially important. However, these patterns raise concerns about whether all asylum applications stem from genuine threats.
In Sweden, where migration heavily influences urban demographics, this issue fuels political divides. While Social Democrats push for humane policies, conservatives and right-wing groups advocate stricter regulations. As the nation grapples with questions of integration and credibility, the discussion around refugee travel shows no signs of fading.
