Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Swedish Citizens Abroad

Abstract

In this chapter we seek to highlight that much of the social protection granted to Swedish nationals within Sweden is not in any direct sense extended beyond its borders. The state policy towards the diaspora can be generally understood as a policy that tries to “integrate” its nationals abroad, rather than encouraging and “building” them as a diaspora. Neither is servicing the Swedish nationals abroad a major priority for any Swedish governmental body. The protection that exists for Swedish nationals abroad is mostly concerned with visitors and short-term issues. To some extent, such protection is downgrading the special requests from the diaspora. The chapter also discusses those few areas of social protection that receive greater support and integration as well as the changes that are potentially taking place. It is concluded that although Sweden could be conceived as a weak “emigration-state” (Gamlen, Polit Geogr 27: 840–856, 2008) that, to some extent, neglects its diaspora, the state is not entirely disengaging with its nationals abroad.