Deportation threats and insecurity cause Sweden to lose workers to other countries

Deportation decisions for migrant workers have increased dramatically in recent years. In 2009, only 0.8% of all extension applications were rejected; by 2016, the figure had risen to 10% and in the first half of 2017 it had increased to as much as 18%. At the same time, waiting times have lengthened and the Finnish Immigration Service currently has 8,600 extension applications pending. Thousands of labor immigrants who are needed in Swedish companies and for Swedish growth may be deported from Sweden in the coming years.

The government has taken commendable initiatives to change the law, but something needs to be done quickly to help the 8,600 migrant workers who are now waiting for a decision on their extension applications.

- We now see many examples where people, despite the promise of employment here in Sweden, instead of living in uncertainty and long waiting, move to other countries, which of course is a great loss for us," says Carl-Johan Hamilton, Deputy CEO of Ants and Chairman of the IT Skills Council.

Amirhossein Fouladi is one of many who are affected. Amirhossein, who comes from Iran, completed his master's degree in Sweden, and has since had permanent employment at one of IT&Telekomföretagen's member companies Attentec. Since his residence permit expired at the turn of the year 2016-17, he has been waiting for a decision on a new permit, but has received no information about when it can be issued. The Migration Agency's website today states that the waiting time is between 10-14 months, with the addition "Please note that this is not a promise that you will receive a decision within this time."

As long as he doesn't have the permit, his future is uncertain, and he can't move outside Sweden for business or pleasure - he is locked up without knowing whether he will be allowed to stay. Amirhossein now feels that he cannot live under these conditions and has therefore applied for a residence permit in Canada.

- Amirhossein is a highly valued employee who has been with Attentec for three years. "There is a great shortage of skilled developers here, and in the entire IT sector. I can't understand the logic of us in Sweden first paying for a great education and then treating people so disrespectfully - it makes me both sad and angry. Amirhossein does not see how he can create a sustainable future in Sweden under these conditions. The fact that he is now considering emigrating to Canada is a great loss for Attentec, the IT industry and for Sweden," says Anders Englund, CEO of Attentec and member of the board of IT&Telecomföretagen.

- The worst thing for me is that I don't know what the situation is. I see other people in the same situation being deported. How can I build my life in Sweden when, after eight years, I still cannot be sure of a future here? Without a residence permit I am a prisoner in Sweden, if I leave the country I don't know if I can come back. I applied for a renewed permit in January and have still not received a decision, nor any information about when such a decision can be expected. Two months ago, my sister got married in Iran. I could not participate. The Swedish Migration Agency says that you get a decision after a maximum of 18 months. With a two-year residence permit, this means that I risk being a prisoner in Sweden for 75 percent of my life," says Amirhossein Fouladi.

The situation regarding the application of rules on skilled immigration remains very problematic, and the IT & telecom companies, together with many others, continue to work in various ways to persuade politicians and authorities to urgently address the shortcomings.