Sweden: “More social dumping” after easing of labour immigration laws

In December 2008 Sweden introduced new rules for labour immigration from countries outside of the EU and EEA. This made it easier to recruit labour from third countries. The new rules allowed employers to decide whether there is a shortage of labour, and that decision determines whether work and residency permits can be issued. 

Earlier this decision was taken by the Swedish Public Employment Service. Now an employer can go directly to the Swedish Migration Board and apply for the right to recruit labour from outside of the EU and EEA. The employer must be able to demonstrate that the job in question has been advertised on Eures, that there is a job offer being made to the desired person and that this job offer details wages, employment duration and other conditions.

The employer must also hear the views form the relevant trade union. Since December 2008 the Migration Board has granted more than 58,000 work permits. Computer specialists represent the largest group, after berry pickers, followed by restaurant and kitchen workers. During the first quarter of 2013 the Migration Board approved 2,656 work permits. 1,052 were for jobs which demand higher education.