Migration and asylum

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.

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.

A greener, more secure and freer EU was the goal when Sweden took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January. As the Swedish Presidency comes to an end, it is time to sum up the major achievements – for Sweden and for the EU: Fit for 55, which is the world’s most ambitious climate package, a historic agreement on a new migration policy, and sustained and strengthened support for Ukraine.

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 UK and Sweden share historic ties of friendship and are essential allies. We have forged a strong partnership, based on shared values and in support of multilateralism and a rules-based international order. We are united in our steadfast commitment to working together for the security and protection of our citizens and to strengthen European security as a whole. This Leaders’ Statement celebrates and reasserts the enduring and extensive connections between the United Kingdom and Sweden, which benefit from the agreements between the United Kingdom and the European Union, of which Sweden is a member.

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.

Better distribution of asylum applications, harmonised asylum processes and a more harmonised regulatory framework for third-country workers. After years of negotiations, the EU Member States have agreed on significant parts of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

To enhance the value of Swedish citizenship, the Government considers that the requirements that must be met to become a Swedish citizen need to be more stringent. For this reason, on Friday 5 May, Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard convened a press briefing along with the Sweden Democrats group leader in the Riksdag, Linda Lindberg. At the briefing, they outlined what measures the Government intends to take to strengthen Swedish citizenship.

Today, Inquiry Chair and Judge Fredrik Fries presented his inquiry report to Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard. The Inquiry proposes introducing requirements of Swedish language skills and knowledge of Swedish society as conditions for being granted a permanent residence permit.

The memorandum ‘An increased maintenance requirement for labour immigration’ was today circulated for comment. In the memorandum, the Government proposes that to be granted a work permit, a labour migrant must have a wage amounting to at least 80 per cent of the median wage.

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

Today, the interim report of the inquiry En ny ordning för asylsökandes boende (A new system for asylum seekers' accommodation), SOU 2022:64, has been circulated for consultation.

The Government has decided to provide a grant of USD 75 000 to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) to conduct a survey. The survey targets adult Ukrainian citizens in Sweden who have been registered under the Temporary Protection Directive, and will include questions about their situation in Sweden.

At Thursday’s government meeting, the Government tasked the Swedish Migration Agency with making it easier for people with visa exemptions to show their original passport when applying for a temporary residence and work permit.

On 26–27 January, Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer and Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard will lead the first informal ministerial meeting of the Presidency in Sweden. The agenda includes EU migration policy, the fight against organised crime and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The Government has presented Sida’s appropriation directions for 2023. The agency’s mandate includes reform and reconstruction support to Ukraine, a strong role for the business sector in development cooperation, advancement of work on migration issues and increased climate aid.

The Government has today decided that the Swedish Migration Agency will take measures to strengthen work on residence and work permit with­drawal. The aim is to ensure that the system of regulated immigration is not abused.