Facts: Granted work permits for berry picking
Number of work permits granted for pickers of wild berries:
2021: 5,176
2020: 3,092
2019: 6,199
2018: 4,987
2017: 3,079
2016: 3,326
2015: 3,990
Source: Swedish Migration Agency
This year’s record is almost 400 more than in 2019, the year before the pandemic, when 6,199 such permits were granted.
The summer’s rainy weather makes it look like it could be a good blueberry year.
“Actually, it’s an optimal year for blueberries,” says Magnus Engstedt, berry advisor at Bärfrämjandet, to the channel.
— As soon as we get up in Jämtland and in northern Sweden, the availability of berries is very high.
The absolute majority of applications are usually approved and the most common work period is July, August and September.
Seasonal workers come to Sweden from several different countries, but according to the Swedish Migration Agency, pickers of wild berries have exclusively been Thai citizens over the years.