Somalis living in Sweden are facing repatriation to Somalia; preparations are underway to remove individuals—including long-term residents—from the country, a move coinciding with the Somali government’s previous statements emphasizing the importance of Somali citizens living abroad returning home.
The repatriation primarily affects individuals who lack legal authorization to remain in Sweden, such as those whose asylum applications have been rejected or who have received a final deportation order.
This situation has impacted Somalis who have lived in Sweden for a long time, particularly those with protracted legal cases or disputes regarding the information used to determine their status.
Somalis facing repatriation argue that factors such as family circumstances, children residing in Sweden, and the duration of their stay in the country should be taken into account when their cases are evaluated.
One of the Somalis facing repatriation is Cabbaas Bashiir Shiikh Xuseen, who states that he has lived in Sweden for a long time, where he both worked and pursued his education.
Cabbaas reports that he is currently being held in a facility for individuals facing deportation and is scheduled to be returned to Somalia on the 22nd of this month. He stated that some of his children were born in Sweden, adding that he had lived and worked in the country for a long time.
Abbas noted that Swedish immigration authorities had been handling his case for nearly three years, while he has been held in a detention center for those facing deportation since October 2025.
He argued that incorrect information had been recorded in his file, which he claimed influenced the decision regarding his status. He stated that he had challenged this matter in court and possesses documents to support his case.
Abbas also mentioned that other Somalis held at the center include individuals who had lived in Sweden for a long time, with some having children and families residing in the country.
Abbas called on the Somali government to discuss his case with the Swedish government, particularly if the two sides are working on arrangements for his repatriation.
