Migration policies in Sweden reportedly not significantly benefiting individuals with higher education.
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In a recent podcast conversation, researcher Samaneh Khaef, a migration studies expert at Stockholm University, discussed her research on onward migration and her own experiences as an Iranian in Sweden. The podcast delved into Samaneh's views on why many university-educated immigrants are leaving Sweden.
Highly educated immigrants tend to face several barriers in Sweden, such as difficulties in professional integration, limited career opportunities, and social exclusion despite their qualifications. Many face challenges converting their qualifications into recognized credentials, encounter language barriers, and have limited professional networks, which impede their ability to find suitable employment and advance their careers. As a result, they often migrate to countries perceived to offer better job prospects, more inclusive labor markets, and greater overall opportunities for highly skilled immigrants.
Regarding destinations, many highly educated immigrants who leave Sweden migrate to other Nordic countries, Western Europe (notably Germany), the UK, or North America, attracted by more flexible labor markets, better recognition of foreign qualifications, and larger professional networks. Germany, in particular, is highlighted as a country that, like Sweden, needs immigrants but arguably offers different integration experiences and opportunities.
Changes in migration laws and limited exceptions for work permit holders may also contribute to uncertainty and push factors for departure. Samaneh Khaef stated that changing and insecure migration policies in Sweden make many educated foreigners uncertain about their future in the country.
Richard Orange, the Nordic editor who interviewed Samaneh, wrote an article about studies showing that immigrants in Sweden with high levels of educational attainment are more likely to leave the country. If you're interested in learning more about this topic, there are several articles available for reading, including "Why are highly educated foreigners more likely to leave Sweden?", " 'It was completely online': How foreigners in Sweden got their jobs", and "Why are there no exceptions for work permit holders in Sweden's citizenship reforms?"
For those who are interested in staying updated on these topics, The Local offers Membership+, which provides early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Membership+ subscribers can listen to the interview with Samaneh Khaef in the latest episode of Sweden in Focus Extra. New members can get a 40% discount on Membership+. To upgrade to Membership+, signed-in members should visit the "Upgrade to Membership" link. To get Membership+ as a new member, visit the "Get Membership" link. To activate your subscription on a podcast platform, go to the podcast tab on your account page. If you prefer to listen on the site, find all episodes at the bottom of the podcast page.
- The discourse on education-and-self-development of highly educated immigrants, like Samaneh Khaef, is often intertwined with politics, as they grapple with various obstacles in professional integration and consider migration to countries with more favorable job prospects and integration experiences.
- General news outlets frequently cover stories regarding immigration, including those concerning highly educated immigrants leaving Sweden, due to factors like limited career opportunities, along with discussions on flexible labor markets, recognition of foreign qualifications, and the impact of changing migration policies on self-development and future prospects.
