Reverse Migration in 2024, Why Immigrants Are Leaving Sweden and Canada?

Reverse migration from Sweden and Canada in 2024 has been driven by a combination of economic, social, and political factors, which have made it difficult for many immigrants to settle or stay in these countries. Let’s explore these factors in more detail:

1. Economic Factors

In Sweden, rising living costs, particularly in major cities like Stockholm, have made it increasingly difficult for immigrants to find affordable housing and maintain a comfortable standard of living. By 2024, the average apartment price in Stockholm reached around 8 million SEK (approximately $850,000). This housing crisis, combined with a lack of economic opportunities, has pushed many immigrants to leave the country in search of more affordable places to live​.

In Canada, the situation is similar. Housing prices in cities like Toronto and Vancouver have skyrocketed, with the average home price in Toronto surpassing 1 million CAD (around $750,000 USD) by 2024. Moreover, many immigrants face challenges finding jobs that match their qualifications. Skilled professionals such as engineers and doctors often end up working in non-specialized jobs like driving taxis or in restaurants. This mismatch between qualifications and employment opportunities has led some immigrants to return to their home countries​

2. Social Factors

In Sweden, integration remains a major challenge for many immigrants. Despite the country's supportive policies, cultural and linguistic barriers make it difficult for newcomers to fully integrate. According to recent studies, about 50% of immigrants report feeling socially isolated. Additionally, the rise of far-right political parties, which are increasingly hostile to immigration, has led to a more challenging social environment for immigrants​.

In Canada, while multiculturalism is a hallmark of the nation, some immigrants still experience discrimination. In 2024, approximately 34% of non-European immigrants reported facing discrimination due to their ethnic background. This social isolation and the challenges of building new lives in a foreign culture have driven some immigrants to consider returning to their countries of origin​.

3. Political Factors

In Sweden, the political climate has shifted significantly in recent years. Far-right parties, such as the Sweden Democrats, have gained more influence and continue to push for stricter immigration policies. In the 2022 parliamentary elections, they garnered significant support, leading to more restrictive asylum and immigration laws. Many immigrants now feel unwelcome, which has fueled reverse migration​.

In Canada, while the government maintains liberal immigration policies, some immigrants still struggle to find economic and social opportunities. Programs like the "Economic Immigration Program" have become increasingly competitive, leaving many immigrants feeling overwhelmed by the system. This has caused some immigrants to leave Canada and seek better prospects elsewhere​.

4. 2024 Statistics

Sweden: The country has seen a significant rise in voluntary emigration. In 2023, around 66,000 people left Sweden, marking the highest level since 2001. A substantial portion of those leaving are immigrants who have struggled to adjust to the economic and social environment​.

Canada: As of mid-2024, statistics show that approximately 5% of immigrants who arrived in the last decade have permanently left Canada. Most of them cited difficulties in finding jobs or coping with the high cost of living, especially in major urban centers​.

Reverse migration from Sweden and Canada in 2024 reflects the challenges immigrants face in these countries. Rising living costs, job market difficulties, social isolation, and political shifts have left some immigrants disillusioned. As a result, many have opted to return to their home countries or explore new opportunities elsewhere, in search of better conditions for their personal and professional lives.                                       sources :Immigration News Canada+Statistikmyndigheten SCB

                                                                                                                                                                                                       the complexities of immigration and its relationship to the lives of millions people