Sweden Proposes Stricter Family Reunification Rules, Sharply Raising Income Requirements

Sweden's government, in coalition with the Sweden Democrats, has introduced new legislative proposals to tighten regulations on family reunification. The core of the proposed changes involves a substantial increase in the financial requirements for individuals already in Sweden who wish to bring family members to the country.

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It is clear that one should be able to bring family members to Sweden, but it requires that one works and does right by oneself.

Migrationsminister Johan Forssell stated that the new rules are designed to meet the minimum standards required by EU law and Sweden's international treaty obligations. He noted that the previous Swedish framework was "quite permissive." Among the key changes is a mandatory two-year waiting period before an application for family reunification can be submitted, although this will not apply to labor migrants or certain refugees.

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The Swedish regulatory framework has in many ways been quite permissive.

The proposed income threshold for the sponsor has been significantly raised. For instance, someone wishing to bring a spouse and two children would need to earn at least 35,743 Swedish kronor (approximately $3,370 USD) per month after taxes, excluding housing costs. Furthermore, income derived from subsidized employment, unemployment benefits, or activity support will no longer be considered. However, sickness benefits and parental benefits will still be counted. The income requirement will be subject to review when the residence permit is to be extended.

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It is a large-scale abuse of the rules. It is people who come here to study, on paper, but who actually come here for other reasons – such as to work and take advantage of the generous rules for family reunification.

"It is clear that one should be able to bring family members to Sweden, but it requires that one works and does right by oneself," Forssell commented. The new regulations also aim to prevent what some describe as "large-scale abuse" of the system. Students will be barred from sponsoring family members, as will individuals who have received a deportation order. Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats criticized the existing rules, stating that some individuals come to Sweden ostensibly to study but primarily to exploit the family reunification regulations. He also highlighted the exclusion of those awaiting deportation, calling it "odd" that such individuals could bring family members while preparing to leave the country.

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It is a bit odd that such individuals who are waiting to leave the country can still bring their family members. They will be excluded.