Background & Purpose
Sweden faced challenges with high immigration numbers and wanted to align its migration policies more closely with minimum standards under European Union law.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed changes to the Aliens Act to introduce stricter requirements for family reunification and to limit the grounds for granting residence permits based on humanitarian reasons.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal with a clear majority, meaning the stricter rules become law.
Does this affect you?
- Family reunification applicants: Must meet stricter financial and housing requirements to bring relatives to Sweden.
- Asylum seekers: Face more limited opportunities to be granted a residence permit on humanitarian grounds.
In Practice
- Stricter maintenance requirements for individuals wishing to bring family members to Sweden.
- Fewer exceptions granted for residence permits based on humanitarian grounds.
- New legal framework applied by migration authorities starting December 2023.