Sweden to Relax Laws to Welcome Low-Skilled Workers
IANS, Nov. 4, 2008
Sweden is all set to relax its existing immigration laws to make the country more accessible for thousands of low-skilled workers, seeking employment in the Scandinavian nation.Swedish Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy Tobias Billstrom, while speaking at a programme organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the country would amend the existing laws, opening up its shores to blue-collar workers outside Europe.
The country will also give out a generous two-year work permit which will be eligible for Extension several times, he said.
The current rules permit immigration of only highly skilled workers on a work permit of one-year, extendable up to six more months.
Billstrom stated that migration was positive force in the increasingly globalised world and this was the reason behind the Swedish government’s decision to reform the immigration regime in several decades.
He added that the migration board of Sweden would avoid social dumping and exploitation by the employer by ensuring that the alien workers get benefits at par with Swedish workforce.
The migration policy also has the clause of right to family reunification, enabling migrants’ family members to seek jobs in the labour market.
