Sweden’s government has just introduced a controversial new bill to parliament, requiring migrants to demonstrate so-called "honest living," with the possibility of losing residence permits if they fail to meet the standard. Rights groups warn the requirements can be "vague and subjective," and would undermine equality before the law and freedom of expression.
The government of Sweden announced last 24 March 24 that it plans to introduce new legislation requiring migrants to demonstrate what it describes as an "honest living" in order to remain in the country, or risk deportation.
The bill would be part of a broader set of immigration reforms being advanced by Sweden's center-right-wing administration, which took office in 2022 with a platform focused on cracking down on immigration.
Although the government is made up of center-right parties, it is a minority coaltion, which relies for its survival on the anti-migrant far-right party Sweden Democrats. When it comes to migration policy, much of that party's demands have been incorporated into government proposals and legislation.
The government is seeking to move forward with these measures ahead of national elections scheduled for September. If approved by parliament, the legislation is expected to come into force on 13 July.
Under the proposed bill, authorities would have expanded powers to revoke residence permits for migrants who they consider not to meet the new standards. Officials argue the changes are intended to reinforce compliance with laws and societal norms.
"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," Migration Minister Johan Forssell said during a press conference.
Forssell outlined several situations that could lead to the loss of residency status.
"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," he said. Government representatives also noted that working without paying taxes or not settling fines could also compromise residency status.
Ludvig Aspling, a migration policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats party, which supports the government, said that verbal expressions alone would not automatically be grounds for action.
"Statements, that is, things a person says or expresses, should not in themselves be regarded as evidence of lack of honest living, but they may be an indication of, for example, links to violent extremism, which can then be a sign of deficient character," he told reporters.