Ministry of Justice

On Tuesday 14 November, the task force for Jewish life in Sweden held its second meeting. The task force works to improve the conditions for Jewish life, and prevent and combat antisemitism in Sweden.

The Government has decided to reintroduce border control at Sweden’s internal borders from 12 November 2023 to 11 May 2024. The decision is based on the Government’s assessment that there is a serious threat to public order and internal security.

The Inquiry on anonymous witness testimony has presented its interim report to Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer. In its report, the Inquiry proposes introducing a system of anonymous witness testimony in criminal cases.

Video surveillance is effective in preventing crime, is a valuable tool in criminal investigations and can be used to stop crimes while they are in progress. In light of the recent wave of violence, the Government has presented a new video surveillance offensive that will allow the Swedish Police Authority to make better use of facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition technologies and direct access to traffic cameras.

The Government has received the report ‘Who owns the property’ (Vem äger fastigheten). In the report, the Inquiry proposes measures aimed at preventing the Swedish property market from being exploited for crime and countering fraudulent conveyance of rental properties.

The Government has decided to task an inquiry with reviewing Sweden’s regulatory framework on asylum to adjust it to the minimum level required under EU law. The aim is to ensure responsible and restrictive regulations.

The Government has tasked an inquiry chair with submitting proposals for more stringent requirements for Swedish citizenship. The aim is to enhance the status of citizenship and promote an inclusive society of empowered individuals with improved opportunities to actively participate in society.

The Government has adopted supplementary terms of reference for the Inquiry on reinforcing return operations. The aim is to improve the conditions for conducting effective return operations and reinforcing internal controls of aliens.

The Government has decided to appoint an inquiry to conduct a review of the entire regulatory framework on detention found in the Aliens Act with the view of making it more modern and appropriate.

The Government has decided to consult the Council on Legislation on proposals concerning stricter conditions for family member immigration in certain cases, and restricted possibilities to grant residence permits on humanitarian grounds.

Sweden is facing a deteriorating security situation, with an increased threat of attacks by terrorists and violent extremists. This situation requires additional measures, not least in efforts to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism. The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention will therefore be tasked with enhancing collaboration between government agencies and other relevant actors to prevent radicalisation and the spread of violent extremism. This assignment will be carried out as part of the activities of the Council’s Swedish Centre for Preventing Violent Extremism.

The Swedish Security Service has raised the terrorist threat level from level 3 (‘elevated’) to level 4 (‘high’) on a 5-level scale. In light of the deteriorating security situation, the Government is working intensively and constantly to take the necessary measures.

The Government has decided to appoint an Inquiry Chair to examine whether Sweden’s security could be considered when examining permit applications and setting conditions for public gatherings under the Public Order Act.

This compilation contains a selection of acts and ordinances – both new and amended – that enter into force around the second half of 2023.

Due to the serious security situation, there is greater need for control over who is attempting to enter Sweden and for what purposes. The Government has therefore decided to expand the mandate of the Police to intensify internal border control. This was announced at a press conference yesterday by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer.

The reactions following the burning of copies of the Quran have led to a deteriorating security situation. The Government has therefore decided to task several government agencies with strengthening Sweden’s ability to prevent, avert and impede terrorism and violent extremism.

How many people work at the Government Offices? What was the central government budget like last year? How many acts and ordinances were issued last year? The answer to these and other questions can be found in the Swedish Government Offices Yearbook 2022.

The Government has tasked the Swedish Migration Agency with setting up return centres to house rejected asylum seekers. In these centres, the Migration Agency will actively work to motivate the people there to return voluntarily, and will provide advice, guidance and practical support.

The Government has received a report from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) based on a survey about how adult Ukrainian citizens with residence permits under the Temporary Protection Directive view their life in Sweden. In connection with this, Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard is today hosting a round-table discussions on the report’s conclusions.

The Government has decided to refer proposals to the Council on Legislation. Under these proposals, it would be possible to withdraw a residence permit if it can be assumed that the person will carry out state-sponsored corporate espionage or activities related to terrorism.