Sweden has significantly increased the number of permits issued to seasonal berry pickers this year, approving 950 workers compared to just 89 the previous year. This rise comes as employers in the country have made notable improvements in adhering to labor standards, addressing earlier concerns about working conditions that had led to many permit rejections.
The majority of the newly approved seasonal workers hail from Thailand. Swedish authorities have noted that several employers have now demonstrated their capability to provide fair working conditions, which has facilitated the approval of more applications this year.
In line with updated government regulations, berry pickers are no longer given standard work permits. Instead, they are brought in under the European Union’s seasonal workers directive. Additionally, a crucial change mandates that these workers be employed directly by Swedish companies rather than through Thai staffing agencies, a move designed to enhance oversight and ensure better protections for the workers.
The increase in permits is expected to help meet the seasonal labor demand in Sweden’s berry industry while simultaneously ensuring that foreign workers experience improved employment standards. This shift not only supports the industry but also aligns with broader efforts to maintain fair labor practices.