UMVA has learned that Sweden has taken a drastic step to tackle poor behaviour by non-citizens, passing a law that allows authorities to deport individuals from the country altogether.
The new law, which was passed by the country's parliament on Monday, enables authorities to revoke residency permits based on what they deem to be bad behaviour. This move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it undermines the rule of law and the principle of equality before the law.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Minister of Migration Johan Forssell proposed the bill on March 24, stating that "anyone who doesn't make the effort to do the right thing shouldn't be able to count on staying." The law does not specifically define which behaviours would be considered unacceptable, but the government has previously cited examples such as unpaid debts, failing to pay taxes, criminal activity, and links to extremist organizations.
A wide range of immigrants would fall under the scope of the "good behaviour" law, including future and pending residents, as well as many of the country's current residents. This has raised concerns among advocacy groups, who argue that the law leaves people in uncertainty about what actions or expressions can be used against them.
Civil Rights Defenders, a Stockholm-based group, criticized the law, stating that it "undermines the rule of law and the principle of equality before the law." The law has also drawn criticism from opposition politicians, who argue that it is too broad and could lead to unfair deportations.
The Swedish government, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, has promised to reduce immigration and crack down on crime. The Moderates, who are part of the governing coalition, rely on a formal cooperation agreement with the Christian Democrats and the Liberals to secure a parliamentary majority. With the parliamentary election set to take place in September, the implications of this new law are likely to be closely watched.
