Indian insulted in Sweden! Accused of discrimination after returning to India after selling the company

New Delhi: Indian entrepreneur Abhijit Nag Balasubramaniam (Abhi) started a company named Hydro Space Sweden AB in the city of Skellefteå, Sweden in May 2025. This was a company growing microgreens (small plants), which was based on hydroponic technology.

The company aimed to increase local food security in northern Sweden. The company had good success in the beginning, receiving positive feedback from local shops and customers. The company also created local jobs.

Immigration Agency Barriers

The company was running, but the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) repeatedly obstructed his residence and work permits. Abhi wrote in a post on LinkedIn that the agency did not show transparency, did not give clear guidance on the documents and kept changing the reasons again and again.

He said that the officials did not understand business. Despite the company being successful, the agency did not approve their business permit.

forced to return after selling the company

Abhi told that he is being forced to leave Sweden by the end of this month. He sold the company and resigned. He called it not a voluntary exit, but eviction by an inefficient and hostile system of the state.

He wrote that this "anti-foreigner" (xenophobic) system, which is specious for international entrepreneurs "startup-friendly" Creates an image.

impact on mental health

The whole process badly affected Abhi’s mental health. He had panic attacks due to uncertainty. He said that his energy and will were gone. Instead of fighting a legal battle, he wants to return to India to rest and improve his mental health.

Sweden’s changing policies

This incident happened at a time when Sweden is tightening immigration rules. Recently, 8 years of residence has been made mandatory for citizenship instead of 5 years. Language and culture tests have also become stricter. Hatred towards immigrants is increasing in European countries and questions are being raised about the image of attracting talent.