Workforce Immigration: Growing Reliance on Foreign-Born Workers in Sweden
Sweden’s Welfare System Increasingly Reliant on Foreign-Born Workers
Stockholm – Sweden’s ability to provide essential welfare services, particularly elder care, is becoming increasingly dependent on a workforce comprised of immigrants, according to a recent report by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR). The findings highlight a demographic shift and raise questions about the future of staffing levels as the nation’s immigration policies become more restrictive.
A Growing Trend
The SKR report reveals that nearly 300,000 of Sweden’s municipal and regional employees were born outside of the country. This represents a significant increase over the past decade. Between 2014 and 2024, the percentage of foreign-born, salaried employees in municipalities rose from 13% to 22%, while in regional authorities, the increase was from 14% to 20%.
“More and more people born abroad are seeking employment in these sectors, becoming increasingly vital for ensuring adequate staffing in our welfare system,” explains Bodil Umegård, head of SKR’s data and analysis section. “A significant portion of these individuals have arrived in Sweden within the last ten years.”
Critical Roles Filled by Immigrant Workers
The reliance on foreign-born workers is particularly pronounced in key healthcare roles. Over half of all nursing assistants (53%) are born outside of Sweden, as are 37% of licensed practical nurses, 46% of dentists, and 37% of medical specialists. This trend underscores the critical role immigrants play in maintaining the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
Demographic Challenges and Policy Implications
Looking ahead, Sweden faces demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate. While the total working-age population (20-66) increased by 500,000 over the last decade, this growth was entirely driven by immigration. The native-born population showed no increase.
This demographic reality raises concerns about the impact of Sweden’s increasingly restrictive immigration policies on the future of its welfare system. “We can only anticipate fewer people coming to Sweden from other countries, which could make it more difficult to recruit staff for the welfare sector,” Umegård warns.
A More Open Outlook Among Younger Generations
However, there is a glimmer of hope. SKR research indicates that younger generations of immigrants are more open to pursuing careers in the welfare sector. This is reflected in increasing enrollment numbers in relevant educational programs.
Over the past decade, the proportion of foreign-born students entering nursing programs has risen from 10% to 28%, and in dentistry, the increase has been even more dramatic, from 20% to 57%.
“We are seeing that this group is more open-minded, not immediately dismissing any profession. This is particularly true when it comes to interest in jobs within healthcare and social care,” Umegård added.
Key Facts
- Since 2018, the proportion of foreign-born nursing assistants has increased from just under 30% to over 50%.
- Within municipalities, the percentage of foreign-born licensed practical nurses has risen from 25% to 37% during the same period, and in regional authorities, it has increased from 19% to 28%.
- Approximately 4,000 doctors, 2,000 nurses, and 33,000 nursing assistants and healthcare aides have immigrated to Sweden in the last ten years.
Source: Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKR)
The SKR report serves as a crucial reminder of the vital contribution of immigrant workers to Sweden’s welfare system and the potential challenges that lie ahead as demographic trends and immigration policies evolve. The future of Swedish welfare may well depend on attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce.