The Swedish government plans to change citizenship laws to potentially revoke the nationality of dual citizens who engage in crimes threatening national security, although backlash over defining such crimes persists.
Sweden Considers Revoking Citizenship for Threats to National Security
Sweden Considers Revoking Citizenship for Threats to National Security
A proposed legal change aims to address rising gang-related violence.
Sweden is grappling with a sharp increase in gang violence and gun-related crimes, prompting a significant political discussion around citizenship laws. A cross-party committee has put forth a recommendation stipulating that dual citizens who commit acts deemed threats to national security could face the revocation of their citizenship. This initiative is particularly focused on individuals who may have obtained their citizenship using bribes or misinformation, as well as those whose actions fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer emphasized the urgency of addressing "violent extremism" and organized crime, stating that existing laws in Sweden do not currently permit the revocation of citizenship. A parliamentary vote on amending these laws is scheduled for next year. While the governing centre-right parties, bolstered by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, advocate for this change to combat growing gang violence, opposition parties express concern about the potential implications of such measures.
The proposal has been compared to similar laws in Denmark, which already allows for the removal of citizenship for acts significantly harming the state's interests. Additionally, the Swedish minority government is tightening regulations around citizenship applications; starting in June 2026, applicants will generally need to have resided in Sweden for eight years instead of five, and will also be required to pass language and societal integration tests. Migration Minister Johan Forssell highlighted the necessity of elevating the value of Swedish citizenship, stating that it should be a source of pride.
Jimmie Akesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, has called for new citizens to swear an oath of loyalty to Sweden, a point that has not yet been incorporated into the inquiries or recommendations. The ongoing debates spotlight the complex relationship between immigration, crime, and national identity within Sweden.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer emphasized the urgency of addressing "violent extremism" and organized crime, stating that existing laws in Sweden do not currently permit the revocation of citizenship. A parliamentary vote on amending these laws is scheduled for next year. While the governing centre-right parties, bolstered by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, advocate for this change to combat growing gang violence, opposition parties express concern about the potential implications of such measures.
The proposal has been compared to similar laws in Denmark, which already allows for the removal of citizenship for acts significantly harming the state's interests. Additionally, the Swedish minority government is tightening regulations around citizenship applications; starting in June 2026, applicants will generally need to have resided in Sweden for eight years instead of five, and will also be required to pass language and societal integration tests. Migration Minister Johan Forssell highlighted the necessity of elevating the value of Swedish citizenship, stating that it should be a source of pride.
Jimmie Akesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, has called for new citizens to swear an oath of loyalty to Sweden, a point that has not yet been incorporated into the inquiries or recommendations. The ongoing debates spotlight the complex relationship between immigration, crime, and national identity within Sweden.
