The Swedish government, under the guidance of Migration Minister Johan Forssell, has announced a new initiative to allocate 70 million kronor to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This funding aims to promote the return of migrants to crisis-affected countries, including Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Forssell noted that a previous controversial funding initiative focused on Somalia yielded positive results, indicating a potential pathway for success in this new effort.

Forssell highlighted that currently only about one-third of asylum seekers possess legitimate grounds for asylum, which underscores the challenges in facilitating voluntary returns. The initiative is intended not only to assist with expediting the return process but also to tackle irregular migration from several nations, including Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Libya. Moreover, aspects of the support may involve enhancing the ability to verify identities and providing better documentation for individuals wanting to return to their home countries.

While the announcement has generated some political debate, particularly regarding its effectiveness and implications for migrants, Forssell advocates for its necessity. He expressed that many individuals who have been granted asylum are reluctant or face obstacles when considering returning home, reinforcing the need for structured support to enable their reintegration into society back home.