Nordic countries fortify themselves against immigration after years of liberal policies
Nordic countries are radically changing their immigration and asylum policies. This shift has become even more evident following an agreement signed by the Justice and Immigration Ministers of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland to cooperate on deportations and create joint return programs.
The initiative stems from Denmark. In 2019, Social Democrat Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen set a goal to reduce the arrival of asylum seekers to zero. In 2020, her government became the first and only in the European Union (EU) to revoke residency permits for Syrian refugees from the Damascus region, claiming it was safe for them to return. Additionally, Denmark passed a law to establish reception centers for asylum seekers outside the EU, in countries like Rwanda. Although this law has yet to be implemented, it proposed transferring refugees to these centers while their applications were processed.
The Swedish government, led by conservative Ulf Kristersson, is now following Denmark’s example. Elected a year ago, Kristersson promised to end the country’s gang-related insecurity crisis. He attributed the issue to irresponsible immigration policies and failed integration. With 24% of its population of foreign origin, Sweden has reduced the annual quota of accepted asylum seekers. But they also implemented temporary residence permits for refugees.
Similarly, Finland’s new conservative government, formed in June and led by Petteri Orpo alongside the Finns Party, is also tightening immigration policies. One proposal is to limit access to healthcare and social security services for immigrants without residence permits. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has announced the closure of the four main eastern border crossings in response to the increase in refugees from Russia, accusing Moscow of directing asylum seekers toward Finland.
Broader Nordic Cooperation
The Nordic countries’ response to uncontrolled illegal immigration comes after years of liberal policies that encouraged what is known as the “pull effect.” Denmark, which in 1983 passed Europe’s most liberal immigration law, has imposed more restrictions and become a reference point for other Nordic countries in implementing anti-immigration policies.
The agreement now signed by these nations aims to expedite the deportation of those denied protection, in cooperation with Frontex, the EU border protection agency. Additionally, it includes increasing support for voluntary return programs for illegal immigrants from North Africa and assistance and reintegration programs for voluntary returnees.