Sweden’s government said on Tuesday (March 24) that it intends to introduce legislation obliging migrants to prove they lead what officials call an “honest life” in order to remain in the country, or face possible deportation.
The proposal is part and parcel of a wider package of immigration reforms pursued by the center-right administration that came to power in 2022 on a platform of tightening migration policy. Although composed of center-right parties, the government governs as a minority and depends on support from the far-right, anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, whose positions have significantly shaped recent migration proposals.
If parliament approves the bill, it is expected to take effect on July 13.
The government aims to push the measures forward ahead of national elections in September 2026.
Under the draft law, authorities would gain broader powers to withdraw residence permits from migrants deemed not to meet the new criteria.
Officials say the changes are meant to strengthen respect for laws and social norms alike.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell said that beyond simply obeying the law, residents are expected to act responsibly and avoid harming society. He gave examples of conduct that could lead to losing residency, including:
- failing to pay debts,
- disregarding official decisions,
- committing benefits fraud,
- or obtaining residence permits under false pretenses.
- Working without paying taxes or ignoring fines could also jeopardize one’s status.
Ludvig Aspling, migration policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats, noted that statements alone would not automatically justify action. However, he said such expressions could point to connections with violent extremism, which might in turn be interpreted as reflecting poor character.
The proposal has been criticized by rights groups such as Civil Rights Defenders, which argue that the notion of “honest living” is vague and risks arbitrary or unequal enforcement. John Stauffer from the organization warned that even if non-criminal statements cannot independently trigger sanctions, their consideration raises serious concerns, including a potential chilling effect on free speech and increased self-censorship.
He also cautioned that the measure could lead to different standards for citizens and migrants, undermining the principle of equality before the law.
Alongside the “honest living” requirement, the government is also seeking to expand the grounds for revoking residence permits, including in cases involving security risks or false information provided in applications.
