2015 “must not happen again”

So far, Sweden sees no signs of a new wave of refugees to Sweden after the collapse of the Assad regime.

– But we know that it can change quickly and we are prepared to act if necessary, says Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M).

He emphasizes that it is very early to draw any conclusions about what will happen with the migration flows.

– What is important is that we do not repeat the mistakes from 2015 when we lost control of the situation. It must not happen again, he says.

Forssell points out that the Swedish regulatory framework has changed on several points since 2015 – among other things, temporary residence permits are now the rule and the support requirements for family members immigrating have been tightened.

New laws are delayed

At the same time, many of the measures planned in the government’s paradigm shift for migration are still under investigation and legislation is delayed. However, Forssell points out that the routes that refugees and migrants take through Europe have also changed.

– What happened then (2015) was also that ID checks were introduced, and it can be introduced if there is a need, he says.

The Sweden Democrats want Syrians’ residence permits in Sweden to be revoked, even if Islamists take over the country.

“Refugee is by its nature temporary. It is not meant that you should automatically stay for the rest of your life,” says Ludvig Aspling (SD) in a written comment on X.

Much still unclear

Forssell points out that all Syrians do not even get a residence permit in Sweden today. According to the minister, the proportion who get yes is around 70 percent. Otherwise, he does not want to comment on the SD requirement.

– It was only the other day that the previous regime left, and how Syria will develop in the future and what legal positions may be relevant, it is very early to know, says Forssell.