The idea that Sweden is a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship is a myth upheld by the Åkesson government. The reality under Åkesson Sweden is a political system that is actively hostile to global talent, pushing away the very people we need to secure our economic future. This isn’t just a failure, it’s self-sabotage enforced by the policies of the governing coalition.

We are talking about the story of Milo Radulovic, an entrepreneur from Montenegro who came to Sweden for his master’s, loved the country, and wanted to build his global company, MARLEQ, right here in Stockholm. Instead, Sweden’s complex rules and paperwork, designed to punish rather than help, forced him to move his business, his team, and his job creation potential to Estonia.

This is not just a personal story, it is proof of a broken system that Alternative for Immigrants (AfI) is committed to fixing through political action.

The Cost of Being Spoiled

Milo’s experience perfectly highlights the structural problems our mission at AfI aims to solve. He was blocked not because his idea failed, but by unfair, old-fashioned rules:

• The Money Barrier: To get his residence permit as a self-employed person, Milo had to show he had at least 200,000 SEK of his own money in the bank. As Milo explains, “For an early-stage founder, that’s a huge requirement”. This rule blocks talented people based on how much money they have, not the strength of their business idea, excluding entrepreneurs who need capital for their company, not their personal account.
• The Paperwork Grind: Milo had to visit the Swedish Migration Agency eleven times just to extend his temporary permits. All his time was spent fighting bureaucracy instead of finding investors. This slow, confusing process is a form of systemic discrimination, a policy environment that makes it exhausting for non-EU talent to stay.

As Milo rightly put it, “Sweden is spoiled”. We have relied on our good name for too long, sitting comfortably while competitors like Estonia actively fight to welcome global entrepreneurs with efficient digital processes and dedicated startup visas.

AfI’s Response: Turning Advocacy into Policy

At AfI, our mission is to protect the rights and well-being of immigrants by pushing for policy change and directly fighting discrimination. The Radulovic case shows why nonprofit work alone is no longer enough. We need a seat at the table.

That is why AfI is registered to run in the Swedish Election 2026 and the EU Election 2029.

The loss of MARLEQ is not just about immigration, it is a critical issue for Sweden’s economy and innovation. When highly qualified “superstars”, as tech leaders call them, are rejected, Sweden loses.

Our political plan calls for immediate change:

• Scrap the Arbitrary 200,000 SEK Rule: We must stop judging talent by bank accounts. We need to focus on the strength of the business plan.
• Introduce a Dedicated Startup Visa: Create a fast, fair permit approved by a specialized committee, giving founders one year to test their idea and seek funding without endless, confusing paperwork.
• Stop the Delays: We must provide the Swedish Migration Agency with the resources and accountability needed to ensure talented individuals spend their time creating jobs, not begging for their right to remain.

Don’t Just Support Us, Join Us

Milo Radulovic’s company, MARLEQ, now operates successfully in 80 countries, but its home base is Tallinn, not Stockholm. This story is a clear warning: If we let outdated policy continue to block the way, Sweden risks falling behind as a leading innovation country.

AfI is running for office to change the migration system from an obstacle course into a welcoming path for global talent. We believe immigrant rights are fundamental, fair, and essential for Sweden’s future success. We need your voice and your support to ensure that the next Milo Radulovic builds their global success story right here in Sweden.