In a recent press conference, Swedish Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson announced that the government is seeking to impose stricter regulations for immigrants wishing to access social insurance benefits. The new proposal suggests that immigrants must reside in Sweden for at least five years before being eligible for benefits such as parental leave, housing allowance, and sick leave. This marks a significant shift in policy aimed at ensuring that social support systems are utilized appropriately.

The Tidö parties are advocating for these changes while emphasizing the need to comply with EU laws regarding residency. Notably, the proposal stipulates that residency in other EU countries will also be taken into account when determining eligibility. As articulated by the Sweden Democrats' migration policy spokesperson, Ludvig Aspling, the anticipated changes will primarily affect immigrants from non-EU countries, although the law is designed to apply to all nationalities.

Additionally, the proposed framework includes a 'fast-track' option for those with substantial income, allowing individuals earning a monthly salary above a specified threshold to meet residency requirements more quickly. This proposal has received mixed reactions, inciting debate over the balance between supporting immigrants and maintaining the integrity of the social benefits system in Sweden.