ABSTRACT
Immigration to Sweden is very restricted and is free only for citizens from the European Union and European Economic Area countries (EEA). A new immigration policy was approved in the Swedish parliament in 1968, which meant that immigrants coming from outside the Nordic countries would need work permits before arriving in Sweden. During the 1970s a reform programme took place, starting with a political reform allowing immigrants who are not Swedish citizens to vote in the municipal and regional elections. Other reforms included the teaching of the mother tongue at school, the teaching of Swedish for immigrants free of charge during working time, and equal social rights for all residents. Sweden was a pioneer in the rights of immigrants and especially in their participation in municipal elections. The Swedish media play an important role in the shaping of immigration policy. Integration and discrimination have dominated the Swedish mass media regarding immigrants, and they have been addressed through some different issues.
