At least 375 Nigerians applied for asylum in Sweden in 2024, according to data from the Swedish Migration Agency, accessed by Saturday PUNCH. Of these, 239 were first-time applications, while 136 were extension requests from individuals nearing the end of their temporary permits.
The data—published in Swedish on the agency’s “Asyl” portal—breaks down applicants by nationality, age, and gender. It shows that most Nigerian applicants were working-age adults, with women accounting for nearly two-thirds of first-time claims (159 women versus 80 men). Half were aged 25–44, and no applicants were over 64.
Among the 375 applications, 60 included children accompanying adults, while one unaccompanied minor was also recorded.
Nigeria ranked fourth among African countries and ninth globally in terms of asylum seekers to Sweden. Eritrea led with 2,692 applications, followed by Somalia (1,316), and Ethiopia (597). Nigeria was just ahead of Sudan (257) and Uganda (255).
Other African countries with over 100 applicants included Morocco (173), Egypt (165), and Cameroon (132). A handful of others—such as Kenya, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana—recorded lower figures. Some countries, including Benin, Niger, and Mauritania, had fewer than 10 cases.
Nigeria was among the top 10 nationalities granted first-time residence permits in Sweden, joining Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan, and others. However, Nigeria also featured prominently among the countries with the highest rejection rates, alongside Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Bangladesh.
Only 6,250 asylum-linked residence permits were granted in Sweden in 2024, the lowest since 1985. Sweden’s Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) processes asylum requests under the Aliens Act and international refugee protocols.
Following the 2015 migration surge, Sweden tightened its asylum policies, making most residence permits temporary and reducing family reunification rights. These measures were made permanent in 2021. Under the 2023 Tidö Agreement, the current government further aligned policies with EU minimum standards, including stricter naturalization and welfare rules.
To qualify for asylum in Sweden, applicants must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution, risk of torture, or exceptionally distressing humanitarian conditions. Protection may be revoked for serious crimes or national security concerns.
Analysts link the rise in Nigerian asylum seekers to worsening domestic issues such as insurgency, kidnappings, economic hardship, and naira devaluation.
Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies in Abuja, said, “Nigeria is becoming inhospitable, especially for young people. The desperation to leave is real.”
Development economist Dr. Aliyu Ilias warned of the long-term impact on the economy. “Professionals, including doctors and engineers, are leaving. This is a serious brain drain, and many don’t return after obtaining residency abroad.”
