Layoffs at Northvolt affect a large number of people with work permits

Northvolt has announced layoffs that will affect a large number of people from third countries who have been granted work permits in Sweden.
– The Swedish Migration Agency is currently in dialogue with the company and has informed them about the legislation that applies in such situations, says Acting Deputy Regional Director Ulrika Ekebjär.

Many of those affected by the layoffs are in Sweden with a work permit that was granted on the basis of their employment by Northvolt. If the employment on which a permit is based is terminated, in practical terms this means that there are no longer any grounds for granting a residence permit. This means that the permit can be revoked.

“As a national authority, it is necessary to have this dialogue with Northvolt, because their layoffs may involve employees whose cases we have previously handled – and which we will need to re-examine if they are laid off," explains Ulrika Ekebjär.

Northvolt employees affected by the layoffs who want to continue working in Sweden have three months to find a new job before their work permit is revoked.

If they find a new job, they must apply for a new permit for it. If they apply before their previous permit expires, they can continue to work awaiting the new decision. Any family member with a valid permit on the basis of their ties to a former Northvolt employee may also remain in Sweden for as long as the ex-employee is allowed to remain here and has a valid permit.

Click here for more information about what applies when employment is terminated