Background & Purpose
To maintain better control over who is staying in the country, the government identified a need for stronger and more efficient tools for the police during internal foreign national checks.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed introducing the legal right for police to conduct body searches specifically to look for passports and other identity documents during internal controls. Additionally, the proposal clarified when police can bring a person in for further investigation regarding their right to be in Sweden.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament approved the government's legislative proposal with a clear majority, meaning new powers for the police take effect at the start of the year.
Does this affect you?
- Foreign nationals in Sweden: Risk being subjected to body searches for identity documents and being brought in for further investigation by police during internal checks.
- Police officers: Gain clearer legal authority and new tools to search for identity papers and handle identity controls efficiently.
In Practice
- Police can conduct body searches specifically to search for passports and ID documents during internal checks.
- Police are permitted to seize found identity documents.
- Individuals can be brought in for further questioning and investigation regarding their right to stay in Sweden under certain circumstances.