Sweden is set to tighten family immigration rules, requiring a minimum two-year residency before applications can be considered. The proposal aims to align with EU minimum levels, limiting residence permits to cases mandated by EU law. Additional reforms include stricter financial requirements and expanded grounds for denying permits.
Sweden Proposes Stricter Conditions for Family Immigration
Sweden Proposes Stricter Conditions for Family Immigration
Family immigration is set to be tightened according to proposals submitted to Migration Minister Johan Forssell. The most significant change suggests that individuals wishing to bring a family member to Sweden must have resided in the country for at least two years before an application can be considered.
The government's goal, supported by the Sweden Democrats, is to propose regulations ensuring Sweden does not accept more family immigrants than the EU's minimum requirements.
– The principal and important change proposed by the investigation is that the right to a residence permit should only exist in cases where EU law requires it, said investigator Ingrid Utne during a press conference.
In addition to the two-year residency requirement, the previously heightened financial requirements will apply in more cases than today. These requirements will be reassessed upon the extension of residence permits, not just at the initial application.
Limiting the Family Circle
The family circle eligible for residence permits based on connection will be limited. This includes cases where permits are sought to marry or cohabit with someone who has a residence permit.
Residence permits for children require that the child's parent in Sweden is the child's guardian.
– The regulations are changing so that in some cases, it becomes a possibility, not a right, for family members to obtain a residence permit in Sweden, said Johan Forssell.
Opportunities to deny residence permits will be expanded.
– This includes individuals who have previously subjected a connected person, or another family member for that matter, to violence or other serious violations, Forssell stated.
More Reforms Expected
The Tidö parties have previously tightened migration policies, with the stated goal of reducing the number of people coming to Sweden. The number of quota refugees, asylum-related residence permits, and relatives of these groups decreased to 6,250 last year, the lowest level since 1985. More measures to reduce immigration are expected.
– Many important reforms will be rolled out shortly, Forssell said during the press conference.