Sweden is introducing a new model to reduce the work permit application process time for highly-skilled workers from outside the European Union including Nigeria.

Once the new model is implemented, a complete application for a work permit for highly qualified workers will receive a decision within 30 days, according to a statement by the Swedish Migration Agency.

“Helping these employers to make a complete application will reduce the processing time. It will be easier for the employer to contact us and get support in the process”, Mikael Ribbenvik, director general of the agency said.

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He said under the new model, work permit cases will be divided into four different categories, based on occupation and industry.

“The new model means a greater focus on the employer’s ability to bring highly qualified workers to Sweden. New international recruitment units will exclusively handle and provide service to the employers who recruit this group,” he added.

According to analysts at KMPG Sweden, the new model which may be introduced at the end of the year, aims to bring flexibility and efficiency to businesses in planning to meet their labour needs.

“When implemented, the old certification scheme was only intended for about 20 big companies that had a recurring need to employ large numbers of individuals outside of the EU,” they said.

“Today there are, according to the migration agency, far too many companies (640 mentioned during the press conference) that have been included in the certification process, and the authority has been unable to meet the target processing times of 10/20 days for the past 18 months,” they added.

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KMPG said the extensive processing times have resulted in loss of talent and skills for companies in Sweden.

“The certification scheme has lost its original purpose and will now be replaced with a new system, based on four categories.”