Asylum Crisis: Over 7,000 Nigerians Fled to Sweden in 24 Years – Here’s Why
By: Abudu Olalekan
The numbers don’t lie. And they’re brutal.
Between 2000 and 2024, 7,646 Nigerians applied for asylum in Sweden. That’s two decades of desperation, hope, and—for most—rejection.
The Breakdown: Who’s Fleeing?
The data from Sweden’s Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) tells a grim story.
2000-2021: 6,783 applications
2022: 288
2023: 200
2024 (so far): 375
But here’s the kicker—88% of Nigerian applicants got rejected in 2024. Only Syria, Afghanistan, and war-torn nations had better odds.
Most applicants? Women (159 out of 239 first-time claims in 2024). Age? 25-44 years old. No one over 64 even bothered.
And the kids? 60 traveled with families. One came alone.
Why Sweden?
Good question.
Sweden’s known for its generous asylum policies—at least, it was. But things have changed.
After the 2015 refugee crisis, Sweden slammed the brakes. Temporary permits. Fewer family reunions. Faster deportations.
Now, unless you’re fleeing war, torture, or genocide, your chances are slim.
Nigerians vs. The World
Nigeria’s in the top 5 African asylum sources for Sweden. But it’s not even close to Somalia (54,128 applications) or Eritrea (39,000+).
Why? Conflict.
Somalia’s got Al-Shabaab. Eritrea’s a dictatorship. Nigeria? Economic collapse. Insecurity. No future.
But Sweden doesn’t care. “Economic migrants” get rejected. Fast.
The Hard Truth: Why Most Nigerians Fail
Sweden’s rules are strict:
Prove you’ll be persecuted back home.
Show you’ll face torture or death.
Or beg for humanitarian mercy (good luck).
Nigerians? Most can’t.
Colombians had a 99% rejection rate. Nigerians? 88%.
“Every Nigerian who leaves for good is a loss. Skilled labour gone. GDP shrinking. And they rarely come back.”
He’s right.
With hyperinflation, unemployment, and banditry, even a 1% chance in Sweden feels better than staying.
What’s Next?
Sweden’s getting tougher. The far-right’s in power. Laws are tighter.
For Nigerians, the asylum door is barely open.
But when home is a sinking ship, any lifeboat looks tempting.
