Sweden granted over 23,000 work permits between January and October 2024.

The Swedish Relocation Administrations has issued a add up to of 23,870 work licenses to outside nationals from January to October, stamping the most elevated number of such grants allowed in 2024 to date.

Data released by the agency indicates that work permits account for nearly one-third (30 percent) of all permits issued during this timeframe. In the first eight months of 2024, a total of 80,336 permits were granted across all applicant categories.

In addition to work permits, family reunification permits have also been prevalent, ranking as the second most common type of permit issued this year. From the beginning of the year through the end of October 2024, a total of 20,595 family reunification permits were granted, constituting one-quarter (25 percent) of the total permits issued.

In October alone, the Migration Services granted 8,095 permits:

In October alone, the Migration Services granted 8,095 permits, with family reunification being the primary reason for most of these approvals. Around 31.2 percent, or 2,529 licenses, were issued for family reunification, making it the most as often as possible allowed allow for that month.

The second most commonly issued permit type in October was the work permit, with 2,146 granted during the same period.

Regarding other allow categories, 1,066 were issued for refuge, 1,500 for ponder purposes, and 765 to EU/EES nationals.

As of now in 2024, the total number of study permits issued has reached 15,965, while the number of asylum permits stands at 13,041.

Sweden Plans to Strengthen Regulations for Family Reunification Permits:

The Swedish government is contemplating the implementation of stricter conditions for family immigration cases by appointing a dedicated investigator to assess the existing regulations governing the issuance of residence permits based on familial connections.

One of the motivations behind this initiative is the perception that the current regulations are less stringent than those mandated by European Union law.

Proposed changes to the family reunification rules include raising the age threshold, which would prevent residence permits from being granted to applicants asserting personal ties with individuals residing in Sweden. This threshold is set to be increased from 18 to 21 years.