An investigation commissioned by Sweden’s government suggests that some groups of immigrants should only get temporary residence permits in Sweden, not permanent residence permits.
Sweden’s Migration Minister, Johan Forssell has said that the rules need to be tightened in order to reduce the number of immigrants entering the country, Schengen.News reports.
We need to keep asylum immigration to Sweden at a low level and then we need to tighten Swedish regulations.
Among those affected would be refugees, people in alternative need of protection, long-term EU residents, quota refugees and those granted residence permits under exceptionally distressing circumstances, according to a report from the Local.
Current Rules for Residency in Sweden
At present, non-EU nationals who have lived in Sweden in a legal way for five years with a residence permit, or have been legally residents in Sweden on other grounds can apply to become long term residents.
Long-term resident status gives them an EU residence permit valid for five years and can be renewed. It also makes it easier to move to other EU countries, for work study or business purposes.
However, the proposal aims to change the existing rules in the way that some groups of immigrants can no longer get permanent residence permits at all.
This would also apply to quota refugees selected by the UNHCR, who currently are granted permanent residence permits directly.
Karin Ödquist Drackner at the Red Cross told Sverige Radio that she believes that such changes would bring significant consequences for immigrants. She said that if they don’t know how long they can stay in Sweden they can become very anxious.
Not being able to know that you are allowed to land, that you are allowed to be here, all of that leads to a lot of anxiety and fear and a lot of psychological pressure.
More Effort Required in Becoming a Swedish Citizen
In addition, the Migration Minister, Johan Forssell, said that the government is also planning to change the rules so those reaching the country will make more of an effort in order to be able to become Swedish citizens.
That people who come to Sweden rather make an effort to learn Swedish, work and then eventually also become citizens of Sweden.
However, such a proposal has also raised concerns that it would become harder to obtain citizenship than a permanent residence permit.
Yet, the proposals need to be approved in parliament before becoming effective.
In January this year, authorities in Sweden unfolded plans to tighten citizenship rules starting from June 2026.