Government's Plan to Increase Repatriation Grant Sparks Fraud Concerns

The government intends to raise the repatriation grant to a maximum of 350,000 SEK for an adult. However, the agency responsible for disbursing the funds warns of potential "fraud and misuse."

The government plans to significantly increase the repatriation grant starting next year. Asylum seekers could be offered up to 350,000 SEK per adult if they choose to return to their countries of origin.

The disbursement agency warns in its statement on the proposal that the substantial increase in support "entails a significantly increased risk of fraud and misuse."

– As soon as large sums are involved, it becomes more attractive to criminally attempt to acquire them, says Director General Per Eleblad.

Calls for Identity Verification

He points, for example, to individuals who have already emigrated but are still registered in Sweden. Another risk is that funds are paid out to identities that do not exist as physical persons.

– Perhaps the most advanced variant is individuals with multiple identities who repatriate under one identity and remain under another, says Eleblad.

The agency believes that the proposed measures to counteract incorrect payments are insufficient. Ideally, Eleblad wants the entire so-called identity management in Sweden to be fundamentally strengthened, including increased use of biometric data. In the short term, the Disbursement Agency proposes attendance requirements and identity verification of all family members when submitting an application for a repatriation grant to the Migration Agency.

Tax Agency Also Concerned

– I think that is some form of minimum level that should be required, says Eleblad.

The Tax Agency is also concerned about fraud and points out that a person can appear in the population register under false or multiple identities, and that correct identity information can be exploited or hijacked by another person.