The Swedish government has released a new study outlining its new strategy to deploy International Recruitment Units to speed up the work permit application process.
The new procedures are intended to avoid work permit delays and backlogs for worldwide foreign employees, including Nigerians seeking a work visa in the country.
The introduction of a level-based application category system is one of the report’s crucial issues.
The new approach, which would be a significant departure from the previous Fast Track system, would be based on the applicant’s career and educational history.
The research advises that the Fast Track system be phased out due to its ineffectiveness, with new rules set to take effect in late 2023 or early 2024.
The modified application category that the units will implement will also base the evaluation of work permit applications on the applicant’s occupation and educational credentials.
It is a departure from the 12-year Fast Track scheme
Applications categorized
The report says application processes are categorized from A to D.
Category A comprises qualified professionals in management and leadership positions and roles demanding higher educational qualifications.
The processing time includes 30 to 120 days.
Category B includes work permits for certain occupations with specific requirements, such as seasonal workers.
The processing time for Category B varies but is at most 90 days.
Category C is for occupations outside the skilled classification, comprising roles requiring higher education. It also includes positions that provide fundamental societal values, irrespective of categorization.
Processing time for this category is about 120 days.
Category D concerns applications in professions identified by the Swedish Migration Agency to avoid the exploitation of workers.
The category includes roles in cleaning, construction, personal assistants in medicine, and hospitality, among others.
Processing time for Category D is 120 days.