Foreign students’ opportunities of staying in Sweden after having finished their studies will improve. “June 1, the Swedish parliament enforces a draft bill resulting in a more beneficial distribution of permanent residence permits,” according to the daily newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.
Wednesday, Lundagård shed light on residence permit-related problems faced by doctoral students from countries outside of the European Union. On Thursday, the government, in consultation with Miljöpartiet (the Swedish Green Party), presented a draft bill on circular migration, which is expected to commence during the government council. The draft includes propositions, which will facilitate foreign doctoral students’ stay in Sweden after having finished their studies.
Improved mobility
Previously, applicants for permanent residence permits have had the right to stay in Sweden during the last four of the five years – a requirement that is about to change to four out of seven years.
Now, the opportunity of international mobility will improve. Currently, a permanent residence permit is revoked as the residence period in Sweden has been expired. The draft will enable the formal connection to Sweden to remain valid, even though the individual opts to live abroad up to two years.
“The aim is to not lock people in,” Swedish Green Party migration speaker, Maria Ferm, reports to Svenska Dagbladet.
More international students
The change is expected to attract even more international students to Swedish educational programs.
“It means we will have an entirely new basis of permission,” Minister for Migration, Tobias Billström, says to Svenska Dagbladet.
In addition to the improved opportunities to continue living in Sweden, foreign doctoral students will be allowed to stay in Sweden for up to six months after their graduation to apply for jobs – or consider the opportunities to create jobs.
“We have said that six months is a reasonable time frame, says Maria Ferm.” She continues explaining an introduction of clearer regulations for international students’ family members, Svenska Dagbladet reports.
The amendment is expected to be enforced June 1.
Text: Casper Danielsson
Translation: Maximilian Aleman-Tennell
