Sweden's 'good conduct' law slammed as 'despotic' by rights groups

Sweden's right-wing government, supported by the nationalist Sweden Democrats, has passed a controversial "good conduct" law that could lead to the revocation of residency permits. This legislation, which applies retroactively to already issued permits as well as current applications, aims to significantly tighten immigration rules before the September parliamentary elections. The law permits authorities to withdraw residency based on behavior that is not necessarily criminal. Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the measure, labeling it "despotic" and a threat to the rule of law and the principle of equality. "When implementing the good conduct law, people do not know what actions or expressions can be used against them," stated the Stockholm-based organization Civil Rights Defenders. They argue that the law damages the legal state and the principle of equality before the law. The government, which won the 2022 elections on a platform of reduced immigration and a tough stance on crime, asserts that individuals exhibiting poor conduct or engaging in criminal activities are not welcome in the country. While the law does not explicitly define all unacceptable behaviors, the government has cited examples such as unpaid debts, tax evasion, criminal activity, and connections to extremist organizations. The Migration Agency is tasked with reviewing permits, with decisions subject to appeal in migration courts. "No one who does not try to behave properly should expect to be able to stay here," Migration Minister Johan Forssell said in March when presenting the bill.

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When implementing the good conduct law, people do not know what actions or expressions can be used against them.