Berry Picker Permit Crackdown Unveiled by Migration Board
The Swedish Migration Board has dramatically reduced the number of work permits granted to berry pickers, sparking concerns over labor practices within the industry. Only a small fraction of applications have been approved this season, signaling a firm stance on worker conditions.
Significant Permit Rejections
The Migration Board approved a mere 89 applications out of 1,397 for carrier pickers. According to Hanna Geurtsen, the association leader for work permits, the focus on uncovering industry misconduct has led to these outcomes.
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“The Migration Board has also made the assessment that workers in the carrier industry risked not having their working conditions fulfilled, which is why the authority has decided to reject most of the applications for Thai berry pickers,”
—Hanna Geurtsen, bitr. Association leader for work permits
The number of berry pickers has decreased substantially, but the overall number of workers in agriculture remains steady. The number of applications approved by the Migration Board this year shows a significant decrease, as the board aims to ensure proper working conditions for all laborers. (Statista 2024)
Shifting Employment Practices
Employers in the berry picking sector are now using the EU seasonal employment directive to apply for permits. This change means that companies in Sweden directly employ pickers, rather than using foreign staffing agencies.
Many rules are still the same for work permits, regardless of the directive. According to Hanna Geurtsen, the requirements include having a signed employment contract and adhering to Swedish collective agreements. Most applications received this year failed to meet these criteria.
Carrier companies may appeal the rejections in court. The Migration Court, HTULSS, has previously reviewed the Migration Board’s decision in 1,280 cases involving the same employer.
This new approach by the Migration Board underscores a commitment to upholding fair labor standards in the berry picking industry. The outcome will likely influence how companies recruit seasonal workers in the future.
