"At the same time, we see that the number of returns is increasing. The number of returns to the homeland is the highest in ten years," says Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M) at a press conference.
The number of asylum seekers was 6,735 in 2025, compared to 9,645 the year before. This can also be compared with the average between 2016 and 2022 of just over 20,000 asylum seekers per year, according to the government.
At the same time, asylum-related immigration remains at its lowest level since 1985, as far back as comparable statistics are available, and is decreasing further.
A total of 79,684 residence permits were granted in 2025. Asylum immigration accounted for 6 percent, compared to 31 percent in 2018, when 133,025 residence permits were granted.
Returns numbered 8,312 last year, an increase of 60 percent since the government took office in 2022.
"It's both voluntary and forced. I find it particularly pleasing that voluntary returns are increasing," says Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M).
Criminal expulsions have increased by 20 percent to 440 people during the mandate period.
Ukrainian refugees granted protection under the EU's mass displacement directive are not included in the asylum statistics.
