In an attempt to create a better immigration system and ensure safety and security for all its citizens, Sweden has approved a proposal made earlier this year to tighten the rules for foreigners who want to obtain Swedish citizenship.
The news on the decision was shared by Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Migration Minister Johan Forssell in a debate article, in which they stressed that the country would still continue to grant citizenship to foreigners but under stricter conditions, Schengen.News reports.
As Swedish local media have explained, one of the main changes is that people who are suspected, have been convicted of certain crimes, or are considered to pose a threat to the country’s security will soon no longer be permitted to acquire Swedish citizenship under a simplified procedure.
At the same time, in the debate article, Kristersson and Forssell emphasised that the new rules will apply to everyone over the age of 15 who wants to become a citizen of Sweden.
The change in law that comes into force today means that citizenship will no longer be handed out lightly. It applies to anyone who is suspected or convicted of a certain crime. This also applies if you pose a threat to Sweden’s security or have a connection to dangerous groups and organisations. The requirements must apply to everyone over the age of 15.
These new rules have not yet entered into force. However, once they become effective, it will be more difficult for foreign nationals to become citizens of Sweden.
Residence Period Requirement Will Be Extended From 5 to 8 Years
In addition to the above-mentioned, Kristersson and Forssell said that the government will tighten some other measures, too.
Another important change is that the country wants to increase the residency period requirement to be eligible to apply for Swedish citizenship from the current five years to at least eight years.
Moreover, the government is planning to make the Swedish language test requirement mandatory for all those who want to become citizens of the country.
As noted by the two officials, the country also wants to introduce a culture test to evaluate if foreigners have the needed knowledge to reside in the country. A requirement for financial independence will also be introduced to ensure that foreigners are able to support themselves financially.
Becoming a Swedish citizen should not be a formality but a result of effort and an aspiration to be covered by all of Sweden’s rights and obligations. Citizenship must be the ultimate proof of successful integration into Swedish society.
Despite the announced tightening of the measures, the authorities highlighted that the country will not halt the process of granting citizenship to foreigners. This means that requests that have been made so far will continue to be processed under the current rules.
Once the new regulations are effective, future citizenship applications will be assessed based on the new criteria.