Sweden pledges 70 million kronor to IOM to support migrant returns

The Swedish government has announced a contribution of 70 million Swedish kronor (SEK) to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) aimed at accelerating the return of migrants to several countries, including Afghanistan.

According to the Sweden Herald, the funding will support returns to and address irregular migration from Iraq, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Tunisia and Libya.

Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated, “Currently, only one in three asylum seekers actually have grounds for protection. But there are challenges with people unwilling to return, and in some cases, it is not straightforward to facilitate their return.”

Forssell highlighted difficulties such as a lack of entry permission from the country of origin or the absence of valid identity documents.

“With these funds, capacity can be built to establish people’s identities. It can also support provisions for those returning, such as a home, shelter, food, and medicine,” the minister added.

The pledge comes amid ongoing efforts to manage migration flows and facilitate voluntary or enforced returns for individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected.