Sweden Pledges 70 Million Kronor to IOM to Accelerate Migrant Returns
The government of Sweden has announced a contribution of 70 million kronor (approximately $6.5 million) to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to accelerate the voluntary return of migrants, particularly to Afghanistan, Syria, and Somalia.
Isteqamat Press – the funding was announced on Wednesday, February 18, by Johan Forssell, Sweden’s Minister for Migration.
Citing SVT Nyheter, the report said the allocation forms part of broader efforts to address irregular migration from countries such as Iraq, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, and Libya.
Forssell emphasized that only one-third of current asylum seekers have genuine protection grounds, while many are either unwilling to return or face obstacles in doing so due to a lack of valid identity documents or unfavorable conditions in their countries of origin.
The funding will be used to strengthen capacity for identity verification, as well as to provide shelter, food, medical care, and initial reintegration support for returnees. Sweden has previously provided similar support to Somalia, which officials say yielded positive results.
The move comes as part of Sweden’s stricter migration policy framework set to take effect in 2026, aimed at increasing successful returns and easing pressure on the country’s asylum system.
