It is a digital exam in two parts that investigator Fredrik Fries proposes: a sub-exam on Swedish society, and a sub-exam on the Swedish language.
The language level set is “A2” according to the European reference framework GERS, which corresponds to step two at beginner level. This means, among other things, being able to “understand sentences and common expressions relating to immediate needs” and in simple terms being able to “describe parts of one’s own background”.
Should not affect asylum seekers
But SD’s migration policy spokesperson thinks the level seems too easy:
– You can probably demand a little more, says Ludvig Aspling.
– Especially since we will now target those who come as labor immigrants, and there Sweden will be more selective in the future, i.e. people with higher education.
He believes that the new knowledge requirements will not apply to asylum seekers, as according to the Tidö Agreement they should not normally receive permanent residence permits in the future.
– They will instead have to take this type of test when they get citizenship, there will be a language requirement there.
SD: Should be possible to introduce before 2027
The investigation into knowledge requirements for permanent residence permits is based on the Migration Committee’s proposal from 2020 and was appointed by the previous government, but the current government intends to proceed with the proposals, which will now be sent for consultation.
On Monday, it was announced that it may take until 1 July 2027 before the knowledge requirements for permanent residence permits become a reality.
– It takes time to come up with a good test that is legally secure, and when you have done that, you should also try it on different test groups, says Fredrik Fries.
Ludvig Aspling is skeptical about the time frame:
– I would think that it can be solved much faster than that.
Could you agree that it will take until 2027?
– We’ll see, it’s too early to say.