Sweden Proposes Revoking Permanent Residence for Up to 180,000 Migrants
A Swedish government inquiry has sparked heated debate with a bold proposal to revoke up to 180,000 permanent residency permits, primarily targeting refugees and their families, as part of a broader push to encourage Swedish citizenship. The plan, outlined in a report released on September 26, aims to align Sweden’s migration policies with stricter EU standards and promote integration, but critics warn it could destabilize lives and clash with legal protections.
The inquiry, led by Josephine Boswell and commissioned under the 2022 Tidö Agreement between the Moderate Party, Christian Democrats, Liberals, and the Sweden Democrats, recommends replacing permanent permits with temporary ones for certain groups unless they pursue citizenship. Migration Minister Johan Forssell emphasized that the vast majority—estimated at 85–90%—will likely qualify to stay through citizenship or alternative permits. “Most people shouldn’t have to feel worried,” Forssell told SVT, framing the move as an incentive for integration rather than mass deportation.
The proposal, part of the so-called “Miniminivåutredningen” (minimum level investigation), would see permanent residence permits replaced with temporary ones for certain groups. Those affected include asylum seekers granted permanent status, individuals under subsidiary protection, quota refugees, and their family members. The estimated number of people impacted ranges from 98,000 to 180,000, many of whom have called Sweden home for over a decade.
Under the plan, permanent permits would be automatically revoked on a case-by-case basis, with individuals required to either apply for Swedish citizenship or re-qualify for a permanent permit. Those who still need protection—say, due to ongoing risks in their home countries—would receive temporary permits. Deportation would only occur if someone neither applies for citizenship nor qualifies for renewed protection, though officials stress this would be rare.
The law, if passed, would take effect on January 1, 2027, with the Swedish Migration Agency handling the reviews. Migration Minister Johan Forssell, from the Moderate Party, emphasized that most affected individuals already meet citizenship criteria and are expected to stay in Sweden. “This is about ensuring integration and encouraging people to fully join our society,” Forssell said in a statement.
Who’s Affected—and Who’s Not?
Not every migrant would face changes. The proposal spares those with work-based permits, EU citizens, and anyone with family ties-based permits. Crucially, individuals who have already applied for Swedish citizenship are also exempt, protecting them from losing their status.
The inquiry highlights that around 15,000 cases could be “difficult to assess,” but the vast majority are expected to either secure citizenship or regain permanent residency. Stricter citizenship rules, set to roll out in summer 2026, will require proficiency in Swedish, passing a civic knowledge test, financial self-sufficiency, and a “decent life” standard, raising the bar for those seeking to stay long-term.
Why Now?
Sweden’s government, backed by the Sweden Democrats, has been tightening migration policies in recent years, citing integration challenges. The proposal aligns with this shift, aiming to move away from indefinite permanent residency toward a system that rewards active participation in Swedish society. Supporters argue it would motivate migrants to learn the language, secure jobs, and integrate more deeply.
However, the plan isn’t without critics. Some worry it could create uncertainty for long-term residents who’ve built lives in Sweden. The sheer scale—potentially affecting up to 180,000 people—has raised eyebrows, even if deportations are expected to be minimal.
What’s Next?
The proposal isn’t law yet. It will now enter a consultation phase, where stakeholders will weigh in before the government and Sweden Democrats make a final decision. If approved, the policy could mark one of the most significant overhauls of Sweden’s migration system in years.
For now, those potentially affected are advised to monitor updates from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) or government channels. As Sweden navigates this complex issue, the debate over balancing integration and fairness is sure to intensify.
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