Doctoral students in Sweden have welcomed legislative changes that will help them stay in the country post-graduation but there are fears that broader anti-immigration policies could yet hamper the government’s effort to attract talent.
Sweeping amendments to the country’s notoriously difficult residency requirements have been announced by the government, allowing international doctoral students and researchers to obtain permanent residence permits “more quickly”.
Further changes include the creation of permits specifically for research purposes and the length of permits being extended to allow graduates more time to find employment after they’ve finished their studies.
Robert Andersson, the chief negotiator at the Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers (SULF), told Times Higher Education that the sweeping amendments marked a “large step forward” but they “don’t go far enough”.
Andersson said doctoral students and researchers will be able to apply for permanent residence after three years instead of four, but he felt this duration was still too long and students should be able to apply after two years.
