| The Swedish Social Insurance Agency has, as the only Nordic country, suddenly changed its application of the regulations regarding the posting of tour guides within the EU. The consequences for the Swedish travel industry and individual tour guides are significant, write the Swedish Travel Industry Association SRF and the employer organization Almega Tjänsteföretagen in a joint debate article in today's SvD. |
| For the next 20 years, tour guides who have temporarily worked at destinations within the EU have been able to obtain a so-called A1 certificate from the Social Insurance Agency. This means that, despite working abroad, Swedish social insurance applies. In this way, the work becomes pensionable in Sweden and both sickness benefit and parental benefit are received from the Swedish system. The employer also pays social security contributions in Sweden. It is easier and safer for both parties because the employee usually lives, studies or works in Sweden. – Without prior notice, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency has changed its application by regularly rejecting tour guides' applications for an A1 certificate. The consequences of this are enormous for travel companies and individuals who are going to work for a few months and then come back to Sweden or be posted to another destination, says Didrik von Seth, Secretary General of SRF. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency made its decision without first asking what consequences this would have for the travel industry. Other Nordic countries continue to accept A1 certificates as before. As can be seen from the article, experts have questioned the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's new principle in legal opinions. – Now that the travel industry is recovering from the pandemic, this was the last thing we wanted. That a Swedish authority would ruin an entire industry in this way is remarkable. We have demanded that the Swedish Social Insurance Agency revert to the previous application while the issue is being investigated at EU level. Unfortunately, we have not been listened to,” says Didrik von Seth. |
