Why thousands of foreign workers risk expulsion from Sweden

Sweden in Focus

In this week's episode our panelists discuss two stories affecting work permit holders after parliament voted through a new law targeting former asylum seekers for expulsion from Sweden and Northvolt filed for bankruptcy.

We also ask if Sweden should be doing more to involve immigrants in the construction of a cultural canon that could be used for citizenship tests.

For Membership+ subscribers we find out what Americans are telling us about why they’re moving to Sweden and finally we delve into why a proposed new surveillance law has prompted messaging services WhatsApp and Signal to consider leaving Sweden.

Host Paul O'Mahony is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and James Savage.

Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode:

Immigration

• 'We didn't do anything wrong': Foreign workers blindsided by Sweden's 'spårbyte' repeal
• Swedish Migration Agency warns of fast-tracked abolition of 'spårbyte' without transitional rules
• Sweden to abolish residency permit 'track changes' from April 1st

Northvolt

• What will happen to work permit holders at Northvolt?
• KEY FACTS: What we know so far about the Northvolt bankruptcy

Politics & Culture

• What books and art can we expect to be in Sweden's future cultural canon?
• Is the ‘arm’s length’ principle for the arts in Sweden at risk of amputation?

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