Sweden's Industry Group Backs EU Work Permit Changes, Opposes Salary Hike
Sweden's Confederation of Swedish Industry (CSI) has weighed in on proposed changes to the country's work rules, which aim to align with the EU's Single Permit Directive. The CSI supports increased flexibility for both employers and immigrant workers, but opposes a key proposal to raise the federal minimum wage threshold.
The CSI backs all four proposals in the consultation, including allowing work permit holders to switch jobs and employers without losing their permit. This, they argue, would boost labor supply and skills for Swedish businesses. Under the new rules, work permits would remain valid even if the holder changes their job title.
The CSI also welcomes the extension of the job search period after layoff from three to six months. This, they believe, would give workers more time to find new employment and thus increase the labor supply. Additionally, the Migration Agency could issue two-year work permits even with a six-month probationary period.
However, the CSI strongly opposes the proposal to raise the minimum monthly wage for a work permit application. They warn that setting it at 100% of Sweden's median monthly wage could deter foreign workers from choosing Sweden. The Swedish Employers’ Association (Svenskt Näringsliv) shares this stance, having previously opposed this proposal during consultations.
The CSI also supports the scrapping of the requirement that workers have at least six months remaining on their work permit for extension application processing.
Sweden is set to implement new work rules to comply with the EU's Single Permit Directive. The Confederation of Swedish Industry welcomes the increased flexibility for both employers and immigrant workers, but expresses concern that raising the federal minimum wage threshold could discourage foreign workers from coming to Sweden.
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