Migration minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
The current minimum of SEK 13,000 per month will be doubled to SEK 26,560. Minister of migration Maria Malmer Stenergard stated:
– It's an important part of the paradigm shift we are implementing in the area of immigration.
The aim is to limit immigration, particularly to low-wage occupations. Last year, more than 24,000 work permits were granted, compared to about 9,000 residence permits for asylum seekers (excluding Ukrainian refugees).
According to the Tidö Agreement, which was reached between the three government parties and the far-right Sweden Democrats, the salary requirement was supposed to be increased to almost the median salary in Sweden, approximately 33,000 kronor per month.
Magnus Persson (SD), chairman of the labor market committee, stated that:
– It's a sum we've landed on now, but the idea is that we'll get there [the median salary] in the future.
Stenergard agreed that further tightening is expected, and an investigation is underway on how to raise the salary requirement more while allowing exceptions.
More than 70% of labor immigrants already earn more than 25,000 kronor per month, so most will not be affected. Exceptions will apply to seasonal workers such as berry pickers.
– Fast food staff, kitchen and restaurant assistants as well as cleaners and home service staff are examples of occupations where the average wages are below the proposed level, Persson says.
Right-wing critics have singled out Sweden's regulatory framework for work permits. Unlike many other European countries that specifically target highly educated immigrants, the critics say that Sweden accepts everyone regardless of education or profession.
But the controversial proposal has already received stinging criticism from mainstream business organizations.
– This is a problematic proposal, says Karin Johansson, vice president of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv), to the newspaper Tidningen Näringslivet (TN).
Karin Johansson of Svenskt Näringsliv
– This is a dramatic power gesture. This means that the politicians are making an intervention in the salary formation model. It is the labor market partners who have always set the wages in Sweden and that is how it should continue to be.
She has the support of employers' organization, Industriarbetsgivarna's CEO Per Hidesten.
– The policy of non-interference by the state in wage formation has been a practice that has proven beneficial for all parties involved, he says to TN.
Johansson contends that it is reasonable for a labor immigrant to earn enough to support themselves and their families. She further highlights that current labor immigrants in Sweden do not strain the social welfare system.
– Labor immigrants are already self-sufficient and do not require financial assistance, as surveys indicate a nearly 100% level of self-sufficiency., she tells TN.