Sweden approves "good conduct" law to deport immigrants for misconduct

Sweden's parliament has passed a new law enabling authorities to revoke the residency permits of immigrants based on "good conduct" violations. This legislation allows for the removal of permits for reasons such as accumulating debt, engaging in undeclared work, or maintaining connections with extremist organizations.

The law, which applies to both pending and already granted permits, is part of a broader tightening of immigration rules by the right-wing government, supported by the nationalist Sweden Democrats party. This move comes ahead of the September parliamentary elections.

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The good conduct law leaves people in uncertainty about what actions or expressions can be used against them. It undermines the rule of law and the principle of equality before the law.

Human rights groups and the opposition have criticized the law, deeming it arbitrary. They argue that decisions could be based on behaviors not classified as criminal, leading to uncertainty for individuals. "The good conduct law leaves people in uncertainty about what actions or expressions can be used against them," stated the Stockholm-based group Civil Rights Defenders. "It undermines the rule of law and the principle of equality before the law."

The government, which campaigned on promises to reduce immigration and crack down on crime, maintains that individuals who misbehave or commit offenses are not welcome in Sweden. While the law does not specify all unacceptable behaviors, the government has cited unpaid debts and taxes, criminal activity, and links to extremist groups as examples. The Migration Agency is responsible for reviewing permits, with decisions subject to appeal.

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Anyone who does not strive to do the right thing should not be able to count on staying.