Swedish companies decide labour immigration

Sweden's labour immigration legislation was changed on 15 december 2008. Previously the Swedish Public Employment Service would assess which sectors needed labour, now the employers themselves decide whether there is a need to import workers from outside the EU.

People who want to work in Sweden must have a job offer which will make them self-sufficient, and with conditions that don't undermine the working conditions in the domestic industry. 

A work permit is valid for two years and will be specifically linked to one employer. After two years the worker can apply for another two year permit, which will be linked only to the type of industry he or she is working in.

 After that the temporary permit to stay and work can be made permanent. Foreign students finishing their studies after having studied for at least one term can apply for work from Sweden. The new rules also allow failed asylum seekers who have worked for at least six months in Sweden and who have an offer of at least a one-year contract to apply for a permit to stay and work. 

The parties to the labour market were active in forming the new regulations and are now represented in a special council dealing with issues surrounding work permits.

The regulations are administered by Sweden's Migration Authority and you can read more at www.migrationsverket.se