According to the Swedish Migration Board, Sweden has officially removed two occupations from its list of roles that qualify for standard work permits, with the change taking effect on June 1, 2026. Berry pickers and personal assistants will no longer be eligible for regular work authorization in the Nordic country.
Two Occupations Removed from Work Permit Eligibility
The Swedish Migration Board announced that berry pickers, classified under subgroup 9210 in the SSYK 2012 occupational standard, can no longer obtain a normal work permit. However, there is a clear exception for one category: berry pickers employed by an employer legally established in Sweden may still apply through the seasonal work permit route, rather than the standard process.
Personal assistants, listed under subgroup 5343 in the SSYK 2012 classification, have also been removed from the list. For this occupation, the restriction applies regardless of the employer arrangement, meaning no exemptions are available for regular work permits.
Rationale Behind the Policy Change
The Swedish Migration Board confirmed that both occupations are now formally included on the official list of professions that cannot obtain a work permit. The full announcement provides additional guidance on the scope of the rules and how affected workers should proceed. This move signals a broader effort by Swedish authorities to regulate which foreign workers can enter the country under work permit arrangements.
For many Nigerians and other African nationals who have relied on seasonal and care-related roles as entry points into the Swedish labor market, this rule change narrows the available options significantly. The decision is part of a wider trend of European countries tightening labor immigration rules.
What Is the SSYK 2012 Classification?
The SSYK 2012 is Sweden's standard classification of occupations, used for statistical and administrative purposes. It groups jobs into categories and subcategories, with specific codes assigned to different roles. Berry pickers fall under subgroup 9210, while personal assistants are categorized under subgroup 5343. The Swedish Migration Board uses this classification to determine which occupations are eligible for work permits.
Implications for Foreign Workers
The ban on work permits for these two occupations will affect many foreigners who had previously considered Sweden a viable destination for seasonal employment. Berry picking, in particular, has attracted a large number of foreign workers from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa under past rules. Personal assistance roles, which involve supporting elderly or disabled individuals, have similarly drawn foreign workers seeking stable employment.
With the new rules, those affected will need to explore alternative visa pathways or consider other countries. The Swedish Migration Board has advised affected individuals to review the complete announcement for detailed instructions on their specific situations.
Sweden's Citizenship Requirements
In a related development, Sweden recently released the cost of its citizenship application. The Swedish Migration Agency also published requirements that applicants aged 18 and above must satisfy before their application will be considered. According to the agency, applicants must hold a permanent residence permit, residence status, right of residence, a residence card, or citizenship in another Nordic country.
These changes are part of Sweden's broader immigration policy adjustments, which have included stricter rules for both work permits and citizenship in recent years. The two-pronged approach reflects a shift toward more selective immigration policies.
