The Swedish government proposed to tighten the requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship through registration and to enhance protection for children and adults in vulnerable situations, SchengenVisaInfo.com reported, citing a statement from the Ministry of Justice.
Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard noted the importance of acquiring Swedish citizenship, adding that it should not be granted that lightly.
Now we are tightening the requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship. Citizenship is of great importance and should no longer be given lightly to people who have committed or are suspected of having committed serious crimes.
The amendments may enter into force on October 1, 2024, and focus on improved security for persons acquiring Swedish citizenship through notification. In contrast to the current system, the proposed amendments aim to introduce stricter criteria for applicants.
The government suggests that anyone who is suspected or found guilty of an offence that may pose a threat to Swedish security or public safety should be barred from acquiring Swedish citizenship. In addition, the same consequences could befall those who are suspected of or have proven links to certain groups and organisations.
Sweden is also planning changes concerning the revocation of Swedish citizenship. They are aimed at strengthening the protection of children and vulnerable adults and preventing people from renouncing Swedish citizenship against their will, especially in cases involving repressive circumstances.
We are introducing enhanced protection against being stripped of Swedish citizenship. Nobody should, for example due to oppression of honour, be forced to renounce their Swedish citizenship with the aim of being taken out of the country.
Candidates for citizenship can obtain it at birth, by adaptation, registration or by application. Those who acquire citizenship by notification must fulfil fewer requirements. Unlike the other options, those who acquire citizenship by notification have an unconditional right to Swedish citizenship.
Sweden has previously introduced measures to tighten family immigration rules and cut the number of residence permits issued on humanitarian grounds to cope with growing isolation.
Stenergard noted that the measures are aimed at breaking the trend of an uncontrolled number of people receiving residence permits for humanitarian reasons. The changes came into force on December 1, 2023.
