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The Swedish Migration Board stated that asylum applications to Sweden have decreased by 24 percent during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. The decrease is due almost solely to the fact that fewer Iraqis are seeking asylum in Sweden.
The number of asylum seekers from Serbia and a few other countries also decreased. The total number of asylum cases in Sweden dropped from 9,200 during the first quarter of 2007 to 7,000 during the first quarter of 2008.
Some applicants from other countries have increased their numbers, including Mongolians, Somalis, Uzbeks, and Iranians.
While asylum cases are decreasing in Sweden, family-based immigration is rising. Part of this increase is a result of the previous asylum surge -- Iraqis who came to Sweden as refugees are now bringing their family members to live with them.
As European Union countries go, Sweden is fairly liberal about its immigration policy. The northern European nation opened its arms to Iraqis fleeing their war-torn country and eventually asked for help last year in dealing with the large number of Iraqi asylum cases.
In addition, the country was one of only three old-member EU countries to open its labor market to the 10 states that joined the now 27-member bloc in 2004 (the other two being the UK and Ireland).
