The Swedish National Audit Office has identified significant deficiencies in the Swedish Migration Agency's controls of work permits, according to a report published on February 24, 2026. The audit found that the agency's controls are not sufficiently effective to prevent errors and abuse in the work permit system.
The audit specifically examined whether the Migration Agency's controls are adequate to detect fraud and abuse, including sham employment, shadow contracts, trading of employment contracts, and labor exploitation. The report points to several deficiencies in the control of applications, follow-up checks of ongoing work permits, insufficient system support, and the need for better monitoring.
We welcome the audit and its recommendations, which are in line with the development work already underway at the agency to increase our ability to prevent and combat abuse.
Merima Ilijasevic, section chief at the Migration Agency, stated: 'We welcome the audit and its recommendations, which are in line with the development work already underway at the agency to increase our ability to prevent and combat abuse.' She added that the agency shares the assessment that controls need to be strengthened while maintaining good service when conditions are met and the purpose of the permit is legitimate.
The Migration Agency reports that it has already taken measures in ongoing development work that align with the Audit Office's recommendations, including participation in various forms of inter-agency cooperation against labor market crime.
She added that the agency shares the assessment that controls need to be strengthened while maintaining good service when conditions are met and the purpose of the permit is legitimate.