Northvolt attracted talent from around the world.
At CES in Las Vegas, Sweden’s deputy prime minister delivered a speech celebrating the country’s innovation, cleantech leadership, and openness to global talent. It sounded inspiring, but let’s call it what it was: a big, fat lie. The reality for overseas talent in Sweden is far from the rosy picture painted on stage.
If Sweden truly values international expertise, why does it impose such punitive measures on non-EU workers? To qualify for a work visa, individuals must earn at least 28,480 kronor per month. Lose your job, and you have just three months to find new employment—or face deportation. This isn’t support; it’s a ticking time bomb for skilled workers who’ve moved across the world to contribute to Sweden’s economy.
Take our situation in Skellefteå with Northvolt. Say what you like about the battery-maker's ongoing management issues, but Northvolt performed a miracle in attracting talent from Brazil, India, the United States and beyond.
However, when the company faced financial difficulties, hundreds of these non-EU workers were suddenly left jobless, staring down Sweden’s unforgiving three-month rule. These people have already exhibited their commitment to the Swedish green transition by moving their families across the world to Skellefteå. And now? They’re being cast aside.
Skellefteå municipality has pleaded with the government to extend this limit, understanding the immense value these highly qualified workers bring to the region. But the government’s response? Silence. The same government that claims to champion innovation, the green transition and a fossil-free economy, seems indifferent to the plight of these workers. The hypocrisy is glaring.
During her speech, the deputy prime minister highlighted the green steel project in Boden but conspicuously omitted Northvolt—despite it being the first major green investment in Norrland. Is it because her government refuses to support the financially troubled company? Or because they’ve ignored the plight of the international workers who made that project possible? Either way, the silence speaks volumes.
Stegra was mentioned in Busch's speech.
When you compare Busch's words with the government's actions, the contrast is stark. They are literally doing nothing to help this accomplished talent stay in Norrland, but plenty to ensure they leave us. Once again, the north is the victim of state treachery.
The green transition and projects like Northvolt hinge on attracting and retaining top global talent. Yet the government’s rigid policies are driving this talent away from Skellefteå. It’s short-sighted, damaging, and fundamentally at odds with the image of Sweden as a progressive, innovative nation.
If Sweden wants to continue to lead in cleantech and innovation, it needs to act. The three-month visa limit must be extended to give skilled workers a fair chance. The salary threshold needs a reality check. Most importantly, the government must back its rhetoric with action, supporting the companies and people driving the green transition.
The deputy prime minister ended her speech with a call to join “Team Sweden.” But for overseas talent, there is no team—only red tape, rejection, and indifference from this government. If Sweden truly wants a prosperous, sustainable future, it must stop talking and start delivering.
Anything less isn’t just hypocrisy—it’s a betrayal of these workers and of Sweden’s future.