International early career researchers “would not recommend” pursuing PhD studies in Sweden because of the country’s current strict migration policies, according to a new report.

The Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers (SULF) paper features interviews with about 40 PhD students and recent graduates on their experiences after the country drastically tightened its requirements for doctoral students from outside the European Union to obtain permanent residency permits in 2021.

Respondents describe a lack of employment opportunities after finishing their PhD, lengthy permit processing times and systemic bias in case assessments, according to the research, carried out by members of the SULF Doctoral Candidates Association (SULF-DCA).

“Their widely corroborated experiences of professional marginalization, diminished quality of education, and limited research opportunity contrasts starkly with the public image of Sweden’s modern, inclusive, internationalized, and democratic higher education system,” the report states.

Several interviewees said restrictions on travel outside Sweden while seeking permanent residency had cost them international opportunities, with one commenting, “If your intention is to stay in Sweden, you can’t prioritise your research or career – you have to sacrifice it.” In some cases, respondents were unable to leave Sweden for several years while their applications were being processed.

PhD graduates said companies had turned them down because of their residency status, while candidates said that they had delayed their PhD studies in favour of employment outside their field, hoping to fulfil the requirement of a permanent or long-term income source.

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Respondents from countries perceived as “unfriendly”, such as Russia and Iran, said they were treated as “potential security risks”, with some receiving bans on re-entry to the EU.

A number of interviewees said the difficulties of securing permanent residency caused significant stress or mental health challenges. “I went from an aspiring researcher with a lot of potential to a defeated person,” one said.

Asked if they would encourage other aspiring PhD students to choose Sweden, many respondents said no. “I would definitely not recommend it if you are serious about doing research,” one replied.

A government inquiry published in December proposed a range of policy changes, among them the ability for doctoral students and researchers to qualify for permanent residency after three years rather than four. In a statement, migration minister Johan Forrsell stated that “Sweden should be an attractive country for talent and international expertise”.

SULF-DCA, however, said the proposals “do little to create realistic pathways to a stable residence status” for most doctoral students from non-EU countries. “If the aim is to improve long-term recruitment and retention of international talent in Swedish higher education, these proposals do not go for enough.”

Addressing scholars considering a move to Sweden, SULF-DCA said, “Do your homework, know what to anticipate, and beware the fine print.”