A new survey commissioned by Globeknot and conducted by Novus reveals a significant gap between Sweden’s current immigration policies and public opinion. Andreas Bergh of Globeknot appeared on The Local’s podcast to discuss why 81% of Swedes now support the right of self-sufficient immigrants to remain in the country.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden – As the debate over Sweden’s crackdown on immigration intensifies, Globeknot is at the forefront of providing data-driven insights into how the Swedish public truly feels about international talent and integration.
In a recent article by The Local Sweden, Andreas Bergh—Associate Professor of Economics at Lund University and a key figure at Globeknot—was interviewed about the findings of our latest Novus study. The report highlights a striking reality: 81 percent of Swedes believe that foreigners who obey the law and support themselves should be allowed to stay in Sweden.
Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Reality
The interview, featured on the Sweden in Focus Extra podcast, explores the disconnect between restrictive government narratives and the practical needs of the Swedish economy.
“Swedes are realizing that we need people from other countries to fill these jobs,” the article notes, echoing a sentiment that Globeknot has long championed. As the Swedish workforce ages and industries face critical skill shortages, the ability to attract and retain international talent is no longer just a social issue—it is an economic necessity.
Key Highlights from the Globeknot & Novus Survey:
- Broad Consensus: 81% of respondents support residency for law-abiding, self-sufficient international residents.
- Economic Awareness: There is a growing public understanding that international workers are essential to maintaining Sweden’s welfare and industrial growth.
- Policy Friction: The data suggests that current immigration “crackdowns” may go significantly further than what the majority of voters actually want.
Why This Matters for Globeknot
At Globeknot, our mission is to give a voice to the silent majority, backed by empirical evidence. Studies like this are conducted to shift the conversation from political rhetoric to evidence-based reality.
“The results of the Novus survey show that Swedes value the contribution of those who come here to work and build a life,” says Andreas Bergh. “It’s time for the policy debate to catch up with the public’s pragmatism.”
Read the full article and listen to the interview on The Local here: Link to Article: Swedes are realizing we need people from other countries to do jobs