Swedish Govt Proposes More Stringent Requirements for Acquiring Citizenship

Swedish Govt Proposes More Stringent Requirements for Acquiring Citizenship

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Those acquiring citizenship through registration should expect more stringent rules as the Swedish government is set not to grant citizenship to those with criminal records.
  • In addition, the government wants to protect children and those in vulnerable positions.
  • The proposed changes can be implemented on October 1, 2024.

The Swedish government has proposed to tighten the requirements for acquiring Swedish citizenship through registration, as well as strengthening the protection for children and adults facing vulnerable situations, the Swedish Ministry of Justice revealed in a press release.

The Migration Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, pointed out the significance of someone obtaining Swedish citizenship and noted that it should not be given out easily.

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 Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard

The proposed changes, which could be entering into force on October 1, 2024, aim at raising the security from individuals acquiring Swedish citizenship through notification. Unlike the existing system, where acquisition through notification has lower requirements, the proposed amendments intend to implement more stringent criteria for candidates.

Anyone who is suspected or convicted of a crime that can be a threat to Sweden’s security or public safety may be barred from acquiring Swedish citizenship, the government proposes. In addition, those suspected or proven to have connections to certain groups and organisations may suffer the same consequences.

In addition to tightening citizenship acquisition regulations, the government is also proposing changes regarding exemptions from Swedish citizenship. These changes aim at enhancing protection for children and adults in vulnerable situations. The goal is to prevent individuals from having to renounce their Swedish citizenship against their will, especially in cases involving oppressive 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. 

Minister Stenergard

Candidates in Sweden can obtain citizenship at birth, through adaptation, registration or upon application, with those acquiring citizenship by notification having to meet fewer requirements. Unlike other options, those who acquire citizenship by notification have an unconditional right to obtain Swedish citizenship.

Previously, Sweden introduced measures to tighten rules for family immigration and reduced the number of residence permits issued for humanitarian reasons in an effort to tackle growing exclusion.

Minister Stenergard had pointed out that these measures aimed at breaking and reversing the trend of the uncontrolled number of people obtaining a residence permit for humanitarian reasons. These changes entered into force on December 1, 2023, while other measures can also be incoming.

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