The Swedish government has announced a proposed amendment to the Social Services Act that would require local social services offices, known as “Socialen” or “sosialen,” to begin offering information on voluntary return programs to migrants starting July 1, 2025. The measure is part of broader efforts to reshape migration policy and expand the scope of social support services.
Under the proposal, social workers would be obligated to inform migrant families about the possibility of voluntarily returning to their countries of origin, alongside existing social support options. This includes details on financial assistance and other benefits available to those who choose to return.
Social Affairs Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall defended the proposal as a form of “early preventative work,” emphasizing that the core mission of social services remains unchanged. According to her, the change merely adds information about available options, including voluntary return, to better support families in need.
However, the move has drawn criticism from legal and social work experts who warn that it could create indirect pressure on migrants to leave, potentially undermining the neutrality of Sweden’s social services system.
