This year, Sweden has significantly increased the number of permits granted to seasonal berry pickers, approving 950 compared to just 89 last year. The majority of these workers hail from Thailand. This rise is a result of employers in the berry industry making strides in meeting labor standards, following previous concerns that led to a substantial number of permit rejections.
Swedish authorities have noted that several employers have demonstrated their capability to uphold fair working conditions, which has facilitated the approval of more applications this year. The adjustments made by these employers are seen as a positive step towards ensuring that foreign workers receive equitable treatment while working in Sweden’s berry fields.
Significantly, there has been a change in the regulatory framework under which these workers are admitted. Instead of the standard work permits previously issued, berry pickers now enter under the European Union’s seasonal workers directive. This shift is part of a broader effort to enhance oversight and improve protections for these workers.
A key element of the updated rules is that workers must be directly employed by Swedish companies. This change aims to eliminate the role of Thai staffing agencies, thereby improving accountability and ensuring better working conditions for the pickers. This direct employment approach is intended to facilitate better monitoring and enforcement of labor standards.
The increase in permitted seasonal workers is expected to assist Sweden’s berry industry in meeting its labor needs for the season. At the same time, it aims to uphold improved employment standards, ensuring that the foreign labor force is treated fairly while contributing to the sector’s productivity.