by Anders Carlsson
There is a growing need for workforce numbers in Sweden and everything points to foreign sourcing. Migration minister Tobias Billström explains how the government plans to open borders.
How does this work, Tobias Billström?
– If an employer has a firm job offer for someone outside the EU, that person qualifies for residency and work permits.
It hasn’t been that way?
– No. It’s been up to the Employment Agency to check if there are suitable applicants in this country before giving approval. But the only person who can credibly decide is the employer and we trust [employers] to estimate their needs.
Why is the situation as it is?
– There’s been the fear of competition and a threat to Swedish jobs. Strange, considering how much Swedish welfare owes to worker immigration up until the early 1970s.
What are the advantages of the new rules?
– They’ll solve the obvious recruitment problems Swedish companies are facing. According to the National Institute of Economic Research (Konjunkturinstitutet) two out of three construction companies say the shortage of workers is holding back expansion. It’s the same for the care and service industries and there’s a strong demand for doctors and engineers. We’ll be filling needs that can’t be filled from the Swedish workforce pool.
You’ve claimed that a greater workforce influx can reduce unemployment. How?
– If a company can fill gaps and expand, suppliers and partners grow too. The market grows, creating more jobs. Greater influx of labour from abroad is also one of the solutions to our demographic challenge — in the future, fewer people are going to supporting more and more of us.
The new rules aren’t in effect yet and people are being deported even though they’re in employment. Are you considering interim rules?
– No. I want a complete law. Anyway, [interim rules] would take time and energy to implement. And those who are leaving will be in a good position to apply for re-entry under the new law.
Could this be a chink in the wall of Fortress Europe?
– Absolutely. The problem with illegal immigration and guest workers has been that instead of clear, straight-forward rules there have been quotas. Spain is thinking the same way and there’s interest in several other European countries.
There has been criticism from unions and others. Could this be thrown out if the opposition wins the election?
– No. With the Greens, we’ve broadened the support base. I think most people see the benefits and potential. Swedes are fundamentally a welcoming people but the rules [for workforce immigration] have been poor.
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