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Young people facing deportation in Sweden uncertain about new 'ventil' law
🇸🇪 Sweden /Elections & Politics

Young people facing deportation in Sweden uncertain about new 'ventil' law

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Sweden is considering a temporary law to allow young people facing deportation to apply to stay until age 21, if their residency was tied to their parents.
  • Some individuals who have already been deported or are facing deportation express uncertainty about whether they will be included in the new provision.
  • Migrationsminister Johan Forssell stated the law is not an amnesty but requires work, with job opportunities available in sectors like healthcare.

Sweden's Tidö parties are proposing a temporary legislative change that could offer a lifeline to young people facing deportation. The proposed law would allow individuals over 18, whose right to stay was previously linked to their parents, to apply to remain in Sweden until they turn 21. This move comes after years of media attention on teenagers who grew up in Sweden but received deportation orders to countries where they lack language skills or connections.

I have difficulty feeling hope that we will be included before my brother and I can come home.

— Adan BhattiAdan Bhatti, who was deported to Pakistan, expresses his uncertainty about the new legislative proposal.

Despite the potential for relief, many young people affected by deportation orders remain skeptical. "I have difficulty feeling hope that we will be included before my brother and I can come home," said Adan Bhatti, 20, who was deported to Pakistan over a year ago. His family's situation is complicated, with his mother and youngest brother, who has disabilities, recently granted temporary residency in Sweden.

Sara, 21, who was born and raised in Sweden but faced deportation to Azerbaijan, shared similar sentiments. After a previous DN report on her case, her mother obtained residency. However, Sara expressed hesitation in embracing hope until her own case is resolved. "I don't know how to react. I'm happy for others, of course, but I want to see a decision in my case to dare to believe that I am also included," she stated.

I don't know how to react. I'm happy for others, of course, but I want to see a decision in my case to dare to believe that I am also included.

— SaraSara, a young woman facing deportation, shares her cautious reaction to the proposed law.

Migrationsminister Johan Forssell clarified that the new provision is not an amnesty. He emphasized that individuals will need to work and highlighted available job opportunities, such as healthcare assistant roles. The law aims to address cases where individuals are no longer considered children but still have strong ties to Sweden, without creating a blanket exemption from immigration rules.

This is about when you are no longer considered a child. It is not an amnesty, but you will need to work.

— Johan ForssellMigrationsminister Johan Forssell explains the nature of the proposed legislative change.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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