Sweden’s government announced on Tuesday that it will introduce a bill requiring migrants to adhere to an “honest living,” with failure to comply potentially resulting in deportation.
The right-wing administration, which came to power in 2022 promising tougher immigration policies, is pushing through a series of reforms before the legislative elections in September. The proposed law would make it easier for authorities to withdraw residence permits from migrants deemed non-compliant.
“Following laws and rules is a given, but it must also be a given that we do our best to live responsibly and not harm our country,” Johan Forssell said at a press conference.
He added, “If, for example, you ignore paying your debts, if you don’t comply with decisions from Swedish authorities, if you cheat the benefits system, if you cheat your way to a Swedish residence permit… then you do not have the right to be here.” Examples cited by the government included working without paying taxes or failing to pay fines.
Ludvig Aspling, from the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, said that statements made by migrants would not automatically indicate lack of honest living but could be considered if linked to violent extremism or deficient character.
The government is also proposing that residence permits could be revoked in additional circumstances, such as when migrants are deemed a threat or found to have lied on their applications.
If approved by parliament, the law is expected to take effect on July 13.
