Sweden passes law to revoke residency for 'bad behavior' amid immigration crackdown

Sweden has enacted a controversial law that empowers authorities to revoke residence permits from immigrants based on "bad behavior." The legislation, supported by the ruling right-wing coalition and the Sweden Democrats, is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration policies ahead of the September parliamentary elections.

The new law permits the review and withdrawal of both pending and previously granted residence permits. The Swedish Migration Agency will be responsible for the assessments, with migration courts handling any appeals. Minister of Migration Johan Forssell stated the measure is intended for individuals who "do not make the effort to do the right thing."

However, the law has faced significant criticism from opposition parties and human rights organizations. They argue that it introduces legal uncertainty and allows for decisions based on conduct that may not be criminal. The Stockholm-based group Civil Rights Defenders cautioned that the law could undermine the rule of law and leave residents uncertain about what actions might jeopardize their legal status.

The government insists the reform aims to bolster compliance and curb abuses within the immigration system. Critics, conversely, contend that it risks expanding state discretion in ways that could compromise legal protections for immigrants.

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do not make the effort to do the right thing