In February 2022, the Government presented the bill designated as "Tightened and improved rules on labour immigration 2021/22:134". Pursuant to this bill, the Government proposes new rules aimed to discourage the exploitation of labour migrants but also at retaining international expertise in Sweden.
The background to the proposal is that the Government has seen a need for changes in the regulation to ensure that labour migrants are not deported due to minor errors from the employer. In addition, a new reason for residence permits is proposed in order to simplify the process for highly skilled people to work in Sweden. The aim of the bill is also to discourage what is known as 'skills expulsions' and the exploitation of migrant workers. The Government wants to solve the problem relating to the lack of expertise in several areas, while ensuring that Sweden as a country does not lose its attractiveness due to expulsions due negligible errors.
As part of increasing Sweden's ability to attract high-level international expertise, the bill includes a new temporary residence permit for highly skilled people who want to work or explore opportunities to start a business in Sweden. The requirements for the applicant are completed studies equivalent to an advanced degree, that the applicant in question can make a living during the permit period and has a health insurance policy which is valid in Sweden. If these requirements are fulfilled, a person has the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit for a maximum of 9 months and should then be able to apply for a residence permit for work and a work permit without leaving Sweden.
In addition to the above, the bill includes, inter alia:
