The Swedish government, in co-operation with the Sweden Democrats, has proposed significant changes to the laws regarding asylum applications and work permits, Swedish media reported on Thursday.
Under the new changes, rejected asylum seekers will now only be able to submit a new application after five years and only after they have left Sweden. Migration Minister Johan Forssell said the reform aims to close loopholes in the law that allow people to go into hiding and reapply after a short time.
It is also proposed to increase the ban on returning to the Schengen area from one year to five for those who do not fulfil the order to leave the country. Additionally, the possibility of the so-called change of status, where those who have refused asylum can obtain a work permit without leaving Sweden, will be cancelled.
The government believes that this measure will prevent abuse of the system, especially among people applying for low-skilled jobs.
Forssell stressed that Sweden needs specialists for high-skilled professions and labour migration should be carried out in accordance with established rules. The government has already raised the salary requirements for a work permit to 28,000 kroner per month. All changes are scheduled to be implemented in April 2025.
