Northern Sweden is experiencing a significant labor shortage, expecting to need 47,700 new workers within the next two years.

In cities like Skellefteå and Kiruna, jobs are plentiful, but local recruitment is challenging, forcing businesses to hire international workers.

Some companies in Kiruna even fly in staff from abroad to maintain operations, with hotels reporting employees from over 20 nationalities during peak seasons.

this labor shortfall is prompting discussions about offering relocation bonuses and student loan write-offs to attract Swedes from other regions.

Regional leaders argue that these incentives are essential to support families in making the big move and addressing the uneven distribution of unemployment across the country.