Sweden’s government on Wednesday announced plans to significantly expand deportations of immigrants convicted of crimes, stating that any offence carrying a penalty higher than a fine should as a rule result in deportation.
“For far too long in Sweden, foreign criminals who have committed serious crimes in the country have been coddled,” said Johan Forssell during a press conference.
The proposed bill would introduce measures requiring prosecutors to request deportation as part of sentencing, rather than leaving the decision at their discretion. Authorities estimate the legislation could result in about 3,000 deportations annually—roughly six times the current average of 500 per year.
The draft law will first be reviewed by Sweden’s Council on Legislation before being submitted to parliament. The government intends for the law to take effect on September 1.
Sweden has struggled for more than a decade to control organised violent crime, often linked to gang conflicts and drug market disputes. While deadly shootings have declined, bombings have reportedly increased.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing government, backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, came to power in 2022 with a strong focus on cracking down on crime and immigration. Recent measures include extended police powers, harsher sentences, and plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13.
