The Swedish government has proposed stricter criteria for immigrants seeking Swedish citizenship, including longer residency, a minimum income, and knowledge of the Swedish language.
The Swedish government has announced plans to tighten the requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship. Key proposed changes include increasing the residency requirement from five to eight years, ensuring that applicants lead a decent lifestyle and can support themselves financially. Financially, immigrants will need to prove a minimum monthly income of 20,000 Swedish kronor and demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Swedish language.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell described these new criteria as historic during a press conference, emphasizing that Sweden should not be a community without requirements. He noted that previously, individuals could acquire citizenship even while under investigation for serious crimes, such as murder, and there was no obligatory knowledge of the Swedish language.
The government aims to implement these changes by June 6, coinciding with Sweden's National Day, marking a significant shift in immigration policy aimed at fostering integration and ensuring applicants contribute positively to society. This is expected to spark discussions about immigration and civil rights in Sweden, reflecting a broader trend in European immigration policies.
