The Swedish Parliament passed two new laws granting authorities the power to revoke immigrants' residency rights for inappropriate behavior such as defaulting on debts, working off the books, or involvement with extremist groups. Additionally, government officials are required to "report" undocumented immigrants to the police. Human rights organizations and academics have criticized the laws as violations of fundamental human rights and as fostering racial discrimination.
The Swedish Parliament approved a law monitoring immigrant behavior, politically known as the "Good Behaviour Law," allowing government agencies to revoke immigrants' residence permits if their conduct is deemed inappropriate, even if it is not legally criminal.
The law applies both to ongoing residency applications and retroactively to those already permitted to reside, forming part of the right-wing government's strict immigration measures along with nationalist-supporting parties ahead of the parliamentary election in September.
The Swedish government stated that those who violate or fail to comply with societal rules should not retain the right to stay in the country. Although the law does not clearly define prohibited behaviors, examples cited include debt default, tax evasion, working off the books, criminal acts, and links to extremist organizations. Decisions to revoke residency fall under the Immigration Agency's authority, and affected individuals can appeal to the Immigration Court.
Johan Forssell, Sweden's Minister for Migration, who proposed the bill in March, said that those who do not attempt to follow society's rules should not expect permission to remain in the country.
The push for this law is part of the right-wing government's immigration tightening policies, supported by the nationalist Sweden Democrats party, preparing for the general election scheduled for September.
In addition to the Good Behaviour Law, the Swedish Parliament narrowly passed another law by 174 to 172 votes requiring civil servants and officials in agencies like the tax authority, employment office, social insurance agency, and prison service to immediately report to police if they suspect a person lacks legal residency documents. This aims to accelerate deportations in line with European Union policies.
However, this reporting law exempts professions such as teachers, doctors, and social workers after facing significant public opposition.
Opponents and human rights organizations warn that both laws could create legal uncertainties, open doors to discrimination, and cause immigrants to avoid accessing public services, especially healthcare.
Academics and human rights advocates note that such approaches are rare in Europe. While some countries like Germany have reporting measures for undocumented residents within certain agencies, they exclude schools and hospitals to limit human rights impacts. The United Kingdom has previously restricted immigration authorities' access to patient information due to concerns that immigrants might avoid medical treatment.