International researchers face fixed-term contract trap

Academics criticise apparent struggle to find permanent jobs for those with non-Swedish backgrounds

Statistics released by Sweden’s supervisory authority for colleges and universities show that staff with an overseas background are more likely to be on fixed-term contracts than those born in Sweden.

The data, published by Sweden’s University Chancellor’s Office UKÄ, show that 45 per cent of researchers originally from abroad have a limited contract; a situation that applies to just 20 per cent of those with a Swedish background. Fixed-term contracts have come under criticism for preventing academics to settle, causing stress and fragmenting their careers.