Sweden's political landscape is evolving as parties consider revoking citizenship from dual nationals engaged in criminal activities threatening state security, sparking a debate on public safety and individual rights.
Sweden Considers Citizenship Revocation for Threats to National Security
Sweden Considers Citizenship Revocation for Threats to National Security
A proposed law aimed at addressing rising crime raises concerns about citizenship rights.
In light of escalating gang violence and gun crime, Sweden's political parties have reached a consensus to potentially strip citizenship from dual nationals who pose a threat to national security. A cross-party committee has suggested that the law apply to individuals who have obtained citizenship through deceitful means—such as bribery or false information—as well as those who commit crimes endangering the state or fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
However, the committee did not endorse a contentious proposal by the minority government to extend citizenship revocation to gang members. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer acknowledged the challenges posed by “violent extremism, hostile state actors, and organized crime.” Revoking citizenship is currently prohibited under Sweden's constitution, but parliament is expected to vote on this issue next year.
Opposition groups on the centre-left argue that stripping citizenship from gang criminals could lead to complications regarding the definition and implementation of such laws. Meanwhile, the governing centre-right parties, along with the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, are keen to see legislative changes in response to the alarming rise in gang-related violence and gun fatalities.
Strommer remarked that existing proposals would not allow the removal of citizenship from external gang leaders orchestrating violence from abroad. He referred to measures taken in Denmark, where citizenship can be revoked for acts significantly harmful to state interests, a law recently expanded to encompass certain serious gang offenses.
In addition to citizenship changes, Sweden's minority government is tightening the criteria for acquiring citizenship. Migration Minister Johan Forssell announced that police identified around 600 applicants considered threats to national security last year. Starting June 2026, prospective citizens will need to have resided in Sweden for eight years instead of five, alongside passing language and societal integration tests. Forssell stated it has been "far too easy" to become Swedish and emphasized the importance of national cohesion.
Furthermore, Sweden Democrats' leader Jimmie Akesson advocates for more stringent requirements, including an oath of loyalty for new citizens, although this proposal was absent from the current recommendations. Inquiry author Kirsti Laakso Utvik asserted that these amendments would align Sweden with similar policies across Europe.
However, the committee did not endorse a contentious proposal by the minority government to extend citizenship revocation to gang members. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer acknowledged the challenges posed by “violent extremism, hostile state actors, and organized crime.” Revoking citizenship is currently prohibited under Sweden's constitution, but parliament is expected to vote on this issue next year.
Opposition groups on the centre-left argue that stripping citizenship from gang criminals could lead to complications regarding the definition and implementation of such laws. Meanwhile, the governing centre-right parties, along with the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, are keen to see legislative changes in response to the alarming rise in gang-related violence and gun fatalities.
Strommer remarked that existing proposals would not allow the removal of citizenship from external gang leaders orchestrating violence from abroad. He referred to measures taken in Denmark, where citizenship can be revoked for acts significantly harmful to state interests, a law recently expanded to encompass certain serious gang offenses.
In addition to citizenship changes, Sweden's minority government is tightening the criteria for acquiring citizenship. Migration Minister Johan Forssell announced that police identified around 600 applicants considered threats to national security last year. Starting June 2026, prospective citizens will need to have resided in Sweden for eight years instead of five, alongside passing language and societal integration tests. Forssell stated it has been "far too easy" to become Swedish and emphasized the importance of national cohesion.
Furthermore, Sweden Democrats' leader Jimmie Akesson advocates for more stringent requirements, including an oath of loyalty for new citizens, although this proposal was absent from the current recommendations. Inquiry author Kirsti Laakso Utvik asserted that these amendments would align Sweden with similar policies across Europe.
