Key Provisions

• Wage Threshold Increase: The minimum wage for foreign workers will be raised to 90% of the median wage, ensuring fair pay and reducing wage exploitation.
• Mandatory Health Insurance: All migrant workers will be required to have comprehensive health insurance coverage as part of their employment conditions.
• New Criminal Offences: The legislation introduces offences related to exploitation of foreign labour and trading in work permits, reflecting a tougher stance on illegal activities.
• Extended Permit Durations: Certain work permits will be extended, providing greater stability and security for migrant workers and employers.
• Implementation Timeline: The reforms are scheduled to take effect from June 2026, with preparations advised for compliance.

Summary of the Reform

The Swedish government has announced a legislative proposal titled “New Labour Migration Rules” aimed at reforming the current immigration framework for foreign workers. Scheduled to take effect from June 2026, these new rules seek to enhance the integrity and fairness of the labour migration system. Key elements include raising the wage threshold to 90% of the median wage, which aims to ensure fair compensation for migrant workers, and mandating comprehensive health insurance coverage to protect workers’ health and well-being. Additionally, the legislation introduces two new criminal offences: exploitation of foreign labour and trading in work permits, reflecting a stronger stance against abuse and illegal activities in the migration process. The reforms also extend certain permit durations, providing more stability for migrant workers and employers alike.

These changes are part of Sweden’s broader efforts to regulate labour migration more effectively, promote fair working conditions, and combat exploitation. Employers, HR professionals, and legal advisors should stay informed and prepare for the upcoming legal adjustments to ensure compliance and support their international workforce effectively.

Who This Affects

• Employers: Must adapt recruitment and compliance processes to meet new wage and insurance requirements.
• Foreign Employees: Will benefit from increased protections, but must meet higher wage thresholds and insurance obligations.
• Legal & HR Professionals: Need to update policies, contracts, and compliance procedures accordingly.
• Immigration Consultants & Lawyers: Should advise clients on new offences and permit extensions.
• Government & Enforcement Agencies: Will enforce the new offences and monitor compliance.

What Employers Should Do Now

• Review current wage structures to ensure they meet the 90% median wage threshold.
• Update employment contracts to include comprehensive health insurance coverage for foreign workers.
• Train HR and compliance teams on the new offences related to exploitation and permit trading.
• Assess current permit durations and plan for extensions where applicable.
• Engage with legal experts to understand the full scope of the new legislation and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Monitor official government updates and prepare internal policies accordingly.

Source

For more details on the legislative proposal, visit the official Swedish government announcement: regeringen.se.

Written by NNRoad