STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden plans to amend its constitution to enable the revocation of passports from individuals who acquired citizenship through fraudulent means or pose a threat to national security, the government announced on Wednesday.
Dual nationals who obtained Swedish citizenship through deception, bribery, or coercion, as well as those convicted of serious offenses such as espionage or treason, could potentially have their passports revoked pending the passage of the proposed legislation.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer expressed concerns about the country facing multiple severe threats to its internal security, including violent extremism, hostile state actors, and organized crime, during a press conference.
The current minority government, supported by right-wing and anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, secured victory in the 2022 election on a platform promising to decrease immigration and combat gang-related criminal activities, which they believe to be interconnected. In 2024, Stockholm issued the fewest residence permits to asylum seekers and their relatives on record.
A bipartisan parliamentary committee introduced the measures to revoke citizenship. To enact changes to the Swedish constitution, the proposals must first obtain a simple majority in parliament, followed by a general election and a subsequent parliamentary vote.
Although the right-wing government and its allies sought broader provisions to strip gang criminals with dual citizenship of their status, this proposal did not find its way into the committee’s recommendations.
Approximately 20% of Sweden’s population of 10.5 million consists of foreign-born individuals. In a separate move earlier this week, the government proposed extending the residency requirement for immigrants seeking citizenship from five to eight years.
Furthermore, the committee suggested enshrining the right to abortion in the constitution.
(Reporting by Johan Ahlander; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
