Sweden is ramping up efforts to investigate refugees who vacation in their home countries, a move Migration Minister Johan Forssell says is essential to maintaining the integrity of the asylum system.
The Swedish Migration Agency, working with police and embassies, is spearheading the initiative to strengthen oversight of protection and residency regulations. Forssell explained, “If you have asylum because you fled a country, it is strange if you travel back to that country. It could mean there are no longer grounds for protection or that false information was given.”
Although the Migration Agency can already revoke permits in such cases, the new plan aims to streamline procedures and improve information-sharing. Authorities will deliver their findings by next summer.
The issue gained attention after a 2022 Novus survey revealed that 79% of refugees in Sweden had vacationed in their countries of origin. Former Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard had also flagged similar cases where asylum seekers returned home shortly after gaining protection.
Currently, refugees with permanent residence permits face no travel restrictions. However, their status can be revoked if evidence shows they no longer require international protection. Forssell hinted at potential legislative changes, including reviewing the four-year rule that complicates permit revocations, while emphasizing there are no immediate plans for new laws.
“This is about safeguarding the legitimacy of the asylum system and ensuring fairness,” Forssell stated.
