The Swedish authorities have added an ID check as one of the requirements for those who want to obtain Swedish citizenship.
According to a press release by Sveriges Radio, applicants for Swedish citizenship are now required to show up at the Swedish Migration Board for an extensive ID check, including those who have already applied to become Swedish citizens, Schengen.News reports.
There are now changes in how the Swedish Migration Agency processes applications for Swedish citizenship. The changes include stricter identity checks, and people who want to become Swedish citizens need to provide more information in their application. The changes also affect those who have already applied but have not yet received a decision.
Applicants who have already been receiving letters need to make an appointment for a personal appearance and also to undergo the required checks.
News Measures Introduced in Efforts to Prevent Applicants Who Put Sweden’s National Security at Risk
Swedish authorities have introduced these additional measures to prevent applicants who pose a security threat to the country.
Sweden has long implemented tougher measures against individuals who represent a threat to national security. Previously, Sweden proposed stripping these individuals citizenshipwith dual citizenship being particularly affected.
Sweden was dealing with “violent extremism, state actors acting in a hostile manner towards Sweden, as well as systemic organised crime.
As previous media reports reveal, bribing or offering false information on their application for Swedish citizenship could easily qualify an individual to lose their right to become a Swedish citizen. Individuals who commit crimes that put the country’s security, such as offenses related to terrorism, can also lose their citizenship.
Several EU Countries Firm on Tightening Measures for Citizenship Applicants
Sweden would be one of many Schengen states to consider more stringent measures against citizenship applicants who have committed crimes or represent a threat to their national security.
Previously, Danish authorities discussed introducing screening for citizenship applicantswith candidates who have anti-democratic attitudes being targeted. More specifically, applicants with such attitudes are considered those who are not willing to accept the basic principles of a country.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a spread of totalitarian attitudes among a minority of Muslims living here. Attitudes that we find completely unacceptable at home and that we must speak out against. Therefore, the government wants to learn more about whether it is possible to introduce screening of applicants for citizenship.
Sweden emerges as one of five countries that plan to tighten citizenship rules for applicants with a criminal recordas these countries are dedicated to combating terrorism while facilitating their rules of welcoming more foreigners into the respective countries.