Swedish Migration Agency overturns police deportations of foreign engineers at SSAB plant

On Oct. 7, Swedish police, together with agencies such as the Work Environment Authority and the Tax Agency, detained 19 foreign engineers at SSAB's new steel plant in Oxelösund, alleging illegal residence and employment. The police announced plans to deport the workers and impose re-entry bans. After a review, the Migration Agency decided on Oct. 16 that the engineers were lawfully posted under an EU provision that permits a Dutch employer to lend staff to an Italian firm, which may then assign them to Sweden, provided Dutch residency conditions are met.

The agency therefore rescinded the deportation orders and the workers were freed to continue their jobs. Police officials rejected the decision, citing concerns over the posting arrangements and calling for tighter national rules. The dispute highlights the complexity of EU posted-worker regulations and the differing interpretations among Swedish authorities.