Ghanaian Student in Sweden Ordered to Leave Weeks Before Graduation
Fred, a Ghanaian living in Sweden, has been asked by the Swedish government to leave the country within a month, despite being just weeks away from completing his master’s degree.
In an interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide, Fred explained that he first traveled to Sweden on a scholarship to pursue higher education. While his tuition was covered, he was responsible for his own living expenses. He initially believed securing a job to support himself would be easy, but things took a tragic turn shortly after his arrival.
His father passed away in December, forcing Fred to send back almost GHC 85,000 from the GHC 100,000 he had saved. Left with very little money, he took up courier delivery jobs to survive. Although he managed to renew his permit initially, the Swedish authorities later refused his renewal, stating he did not have sufficient funds to sustain himself.
Fred appealed the decision and even took the matter to the Supreme Court of Sweden, but his appeal was rejected. The government has since given him four weeks to return to Ghana, regardless of the fact that he is about to defend his thesis and graduate next month.
He shared how the church community helped him restart school after his father’s death, with members supporting him with jobs and accommodation. However, his current employer has warned him that if his immigration issues are not resolved within a week, he will lose his job.
Fred revealed that before moving to Sweden in 2023, one needed about 13,000 Swedish kronor to apply for a work permit. Now, the requirement has risen to 29,000 kronor, making it even more difficult for him to secure legal status.
Despite the challenges, Fred remains determined. He is completing his master’s in Political Communication after previously earning a degree in Communication Studies. He has also received a PhD opportunity in the Netherlands and hopes to continue his education there if he is allowed to graduate.
“I came to Sweden to study, and with just one month left to finish, they want me to return home. If I don’t graduate, then all my sacrifices, including my father’s death, would be in vain,” Fred said.
Now, he is seeking advice and opportunities to secure a work visa or support that will allow him to finish his program and take advantage of opportunities awaiting him abroad.
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