The requirements for becoming a Swedish citizen must be tightened – among other things, a person must have lived in Sweden for at least eight years to be considered for Swedish citizenship.
– We stand out compared to many other comparable countries, says Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
Almost 90,000 people were granted Swedish citizenship last year. This is a relatively large increase compared to a few years ago.
Already in the Tidö Agreement last autumn, the government and SD decided that the requirements should be tightened. Now the investigation is being added.
Among other things, the parties want to increase the time a person must have lived in Sweden to become a Swedish citizen, from today’s around four-five years to at least eight years.
– Ultimately, it is a matter of security. The security police have flagged that at that time it is difficult for them to identify potential security threats, says Maria Malmer Stenergard.
Shall live honorably
TT: Are there many who have become Swedish citizens who should not have become so?
– It is a risk that the Security Police points out with this short time, so yes.
The government and SD also want to tighten the requirements regarding what knowledge of Swedish society and Swedish culture a person must have in order to obtain Swedish citizenship.
In addition, the investigator must propose a requirement that one must be able to support oneself, and stricter requirements for an honorable way of life.
– It is to look at which acts a person is suspected of or convicted of and where we should set the requirements for this person to become a Swedish citizen. Our approach is that it should be tightened, but exactly how to draw the boundaries is for the investigator to look at.
The investigator should also consider whether there should be a requirement for a “citizenship interview”, some form of “declaration of loyalty” or a similar ceremonial element as an end point in the citizenship process.
Delays before law is introduced
The investigator, Court of Appeal lawyer Kirsi Laakso Utvik, must present his conclusions no later than September 30 next year. A completed bill can then only be in place by the following autumn, the migration minister believes.
Then tens of thousands more will have had time to become Swedish citizens to today’s, as the government considers, low requirements.
– I am concerned about what this means, especially as we currently do not have the option of revoking citizenship under Swedish law, says Maria Malmer Stenergard.
– Citizenship comes with many rights and I am concerned that there are individuals in society who will have access to those rights even though they should not have them.
FACT It is required for citizenship today
What is required to become a Swedish citizen today is that the applicant has turned 18, can prove his identity, has lived in Sweden for a certain period of time (often four to five consecutive years), has a permanent residence permit and has led a responsible life.
Debts with the Crown Bailiff, a prison sentence or Säpo classifying the person as a security threat can mean that it will be rejected.
A Swedish citizenship has several advantages. Only Swedish citizens have an absolute right to live and work in Sweden, the right to vote in the Riksdag elections, can be elected to the Riksdag and have the right to work as, for example, the police and professional military.
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