Background & Purpose
The government wants to increase safety and ensure that foreign citizens who break the law face stricter consequences. The goal is to make sure that committing a crime has a clearer impact on a person's right to stay in the country.
The Decision
Parliament voted yes to stricter deportation rules, meaning more crimes will lead to deportation and it will be harder to avoid being sent back to one's home country. The new rules will take effect on September 1, 2026.
Does this affect you?
- Foreign citizens convicted of crimes: Individuals who are not Swedish citizens and have committed crimes in Sweden, as they are now subject to stricter deportation rules.
- Individuals who moved to Sweden before age 15: Those who arrived in Sweden as minors will no longer receive special protection against deportation, impacting their right to remain after committing a crime.
- Judges and Prosecutors: Legal professionals who will have to apply stricter rules, consider fewer mitigating factors, and in some cases be obligated to seek deportation.
In Practice
- Most crimes that result in a punishment harsher than a fine can now lead to deportation.
- People who moved to Sweden before age 15 will no longer have special protection against deportation.
- Courts will no longer consider practical problems, such as difficulties in the home country, when deciding on a deportation.
- Bans on returning to Sweden will be longer, and in some cases, they can be permanent.
- Prosecutors will be required to demand deportation in more criminal cases.
- Penalties for certain crimes under the Aliens Act will be increased.