Sweden May Revoke Permanent Residence Permits
Sweden considers revoking permanent residence permits from asylum seekers to push for citizenship. The proposal could affect up to 180,000 people, many long-term residents. This marks a major shift in Swedish immigration policy.
A government investigator proposes a new law allowing Sweden to revoke permanent residence permits from asylum seekers. The goal is to encourage more people to meet the requirements for Swedish citizenship. The government has not yet decided whether to implement the law.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell said the proposal will go out for consultation. Then the government and the Sweden Democrats will take a position. He called the matter of revoking permanent residence permits "a complex question."
The proposed law would affect asylum seekers and their family members who have permanent residence permits. Labor migrants would not be affected. Between 98,000 and 180,000 people could be impacted by the new legislation. Many arrived in Sweden more than ten years ago.
This represents a significant shift in Sweden's immigration policy. Permanent residence permits have traditionally provided long-term security for refugees. The proposal creates uncertainty for thousands who believed their status was secure.
Sweden has welcomed more refugees per capita than most European countries. Now the government appears to be tightening its approach to integration and citizenship requirements.