Sweden’s government has announced a substantial increase in financial incentives for migrants to voluntarily leave the country. This policy shift comes as Swedes have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the high number of migrants entering the nation.

The new plan offers up to $34,000 to each migrant who chooses to return to their home country, marking a dramatic 35-fold increase in the previous amount. Over the past 30 years, Sweden has seen a significant influx of migrants from various third-world nations, particularly from Islamic countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, and Iraq.

New Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell, who recently transitioned from his role as Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, stated that Sweden is undergoing a “paradigm shift in our migration policy.” Forssell’s reassignment and the increased incentives reflect a broader rightward shift in Swedish politics regarding immigration.

Critics from liberal circles argue that the policy sends a negative message to migrants and could hinder their integration into Swedish society. They believe that such measures may exacerbate issues rather than address them. However, proponents argue that the high number of migrants not assimilating into Swedish culture and the burden on welfare resources justify the new approach.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who has been in office for two years, promised to tackle Sweden’s immigration and gang-related problems, which many attribute to the influx of migrants. This policy change aligns with a growing trend across Europe, where more countries are adopting stricter immigration measures in response to public concerns about societal impacts.