Sweden Restricts Berry Pickers, Personal Assistants from Work Permits Under New Immigration Rules

Sweden's government, under the Moderate Party (M), has finalized its list of exceptions to the recently tightened requirements for labor immigration, a decision that has drawn criticism for its restrictive nature. As reported by Svenska Dagbladet, the government's list of 27 exempted occupations is considerably shorter than the 81 proposed by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). This move signals a clear intent to significantly reduce the inflow of foreign labor, prioritizing a higher wage threshold for most incoming workers.

The core of the new policy mandates that labor immigrants must earn at least 33,390 SEK per month. While the government has allowed exceptions for 27 specific professions, this is a stark contrast to the Migration Agency's more expansive proposals. From a Swedish perspective, this policy reflects a broader political debate about the balance between economic needs and the potential impact of immigration on the labor market and social welfare systems. The government argues that these stricter rules are necessary to ensure that labor immigration is primarily used to fill genuine skills shortages and does not depress wages or strain public resources.

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27 professions are exempted from the salary floor of 33,390 kronor compared to the agency's 81.

However, the complete exclusion of personal assistants and berry pickers from work permits, irrespective of their salary, is particularly noteworthy and likely to face pushback. Berry picking, a seasonal industry heavily reliant on foreign labor, could face significant challenges. Similarly, the exclusion of personal assistants, a role crucial for supporting individuals with disabilities, raises concerns about potential care shortages. This decision appears to prioritize a more controlled and potentially less diverse labor market, emphasizing higher-skilled or higher-paid roles, while potentially creating difficulties in sectors traditionally dependent on migrant workers. The government's stance, as articulated by Migration Minister Johan Forssell, suggests a focus on quality over quantity in labor immigration.

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Two professions are completely excluded from work permits, regardless of salary level: Personal assistants and berry pickers in the forest.