DN Debate: 'You May Think We Should Have Done More, But We Are Not Silent'

Veronika Sundström, university director at Karolinska Institutet, has responded to a debate article published in Dagens Nyheter concerning the conditions for international students in Sweden. She acknowledges the importance of clear requirements, predictability, and efficient legal processes for these students.

Sundström agrees with the core sentiment that Sweden must actively welcome and support talent and competence, regardless of their origin. She states that both Karolinska Institutet and the Swedish Universities Association (SUHF) have repeatedly raised concerns about changes in migration policies and their impact on bachelor's and master's level students.

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It is true that Sweden must actively take care of talent – regardless of origin.

Addressing the assertion that universities are silent on the matter, Sundström explicitly disagrees. She asserts that universities have engaged in various forums to discuss these issues. While acknowledging that more could potentially be done, she emphasizes that the claim of silence is inaccurate.

The response underscores a shared understanding of the need to retain international talent but highlights a difference in perspective regarding the extent of university advocacy. Sundström's statement aims to clarify the institutions' position and their ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by international students.

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Of course, one can think that the universities could have done more, but that 'the universities are silent' is not something we agree with.