Sweden records lowest number of asylum seekers in last 40 years

Sweden received the lowest number of asylum seekers in four decades in 2025, Migration Minister Johan Forssell said, citing a sharp decline in applications compared with the previous year.

Speaking at a press conference broadcast on the government’s website, Forssell said the country had recorded its lowest level of asylum-related immigration since 1985, Caliber.Az reports. 

According to the minister, the number of asylum seekers fell by around 30% in 2025 to approximately 6,700 people, compared with about 9,600 in 2024.

He also said that around 80,000 residence permits were issued in total during the year, with asylum seekers accounting for about 6% of all permits granted.

Forssell added that Ukrainian refugees were not included in the asylum statistics.

By Sabina Mammadli