Sweden’s government has unveiled plans to significantly tighten the conditions for acquiring citizenship, proposing a longer residency period, a mandatory income benchmark, and stricter checks on applicants’ backgrounds.
According to reports by Economic Times, the new framework would require foreign nationals seeking Swedish citizenship to reside in the country for at least eight years, compared to the current five-year rule.
A key element of the reform is a financial requirement mandating applicants to earn a minimum monthly income of 20,000 Swedish crowns (approximately $2,225). Authorities say this is intended to ensure that new citizens are economically independent.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell explained that the changes represent a sharp shift from the existing system.
“These requirements are much tougher than the situation as it is today because currently there are basically no requirements to become a citizen.
“Anyone with a criminal record, either in Sweden or abroad, will have to wait longer before they can apply.
“Someone who had served a four-year prison sentence, for example, would have to wait 15 years before being able to apply for citizenship,” Forssell said.
The proposed reforms also include compulsory language and civic knowledge tests to assess applicants’ understanding of Swedish culture and their ability to communicate in the Swedish language.
Officials argue that the measures are necessary to promote better integration, strengthen social cohesion, and ensure that citizenship is granted to individuals who are well-acquainted with the country’s values and norms.
While supporters believe the reforms will reinforce national stability and shared identity, critics caution that the new rules could disproportionately affect low-income migrants and families, making the path to citizenship more difficult.
The proposals are expected to undergo parliamentary scrutiny before they can be enacted into law.
Leave a Reply