At a glance
- Salary must equal at least 90% of the Swedish median wage to qualify for a work permit.
- The government may exempt certain occupations from the salary threshold or exclude high-risk occupations entirely.
- Work permits may be refused where employers are linked to offences such as human exploitation or trafficking.
- Two new criminal offences introduced: exploitation of foreign labour and trade in work permits, with penalties of up to four years' imprisonment.
- Increased employer sanctions, longer EU Blue Card and seasonal permit validity, and mandatory health insurance for stays under one year.
A newly proposed bill introduces substantially stricter rules for labour migration with a view to curbing misuse while safeguarding access to high skilled workers.
A new core requirement is that work permits may only be granted if the salary equals at least 90% of the Swedish median wage, replacing the former 'good maintenance' test. The government may issue regulations both exempting specific occupations from the salary threshold and excluding high risk occupations from eligibility for work permits altogether.
Work permits may be refused if the employer or its representative has been sanctioned, is reasonably suspected of, or has been convicted of offences such as human exploitation, human trafficking, or crimes under Chapter 20 of the Aliens Act. Two new offences, exploitation of foreign labour and trade in work permits, are introduced, carrying penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, or four years for aggravated cases.
Additional reforms include higher employer sanctions, longer validity for EU Blue Cards and seasonal permits, and mandatory comprehensive health insurance for stays under one year.
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