Sweden’s parliament approved measures to strengthen the country’s immigration enforcement, supporting rules that permit authorities to cancel residency permits over vague standards of misconduct and require most public employees to report suspected undocumented individuals. The legislation arrives before September elections, as the centre-right government relies on far-right Sweden Democrats backing while facing pressure to create stricter conditions for non-Europeans. Lawmakers passed the so-called good behaviour measure late Monday, applying it to pending cases, future applicants and retroactively to many current residents. Migration minister Johan Forssell stated that those not making an effort to act correctly cannot expect to remain. Although the law avoids defining unacceptable conduct, prior government examples include unpaid debts, tax evasion, criminal acts and extremist ties. The migration agency will review permits, with appeal options available. Opposition figures and rights organizations condemned the vague standards as arbitrary, warning of unequal treatment compared to citizens and risks to legal certainty. Civil Rights Defenders argued the rules undermine the rule of law by leaving people uncertain about potential consequences. Parliament also narrowly passed a reporting requirement for many public sector staff to notify authorities about suspected undocumented persons, with 174 votes in favour and 172 against. Critics say it harms migrants’ health access and raises profiling risks. Teachers, doctors and social workers gained exemptions after objections, yet tax and benefits agency employees must still report suspected cases. Researchers noted the rules effectively convert public staff into immigration enforcers. The government maintains the steps are essential to return those without legal status. Similar policies remain rare in Europe, though Finland and Germany have considered expansions. The UK’s earlier hostile environment approach faced criticism for errors affecting legal residents.
