Background & Purpose

Previously, exit bans for children were mainly for preventing forced marriage or female genital mutilation. However, there was a need to protect children from other serious risks when taken abroad, such as harmful 're-education trips' or attempts to join extremist groups.

Proposals & Debate

The Swedish government proposed expanding exit bans to protect children from harm abroad that could lead to social services intervention (LVU care). This includes situations like 'upbringing trips' or attempts to recruit children into terrorist organizations. The proposal also aimed to make it a crime to take or hide a child under 15 to prevent social services from stepping in.

The Decision

The Swedish Parliament approved the government's proposal, meaning exit bans for children are now broader, and the law against child abduction is strengthened.

Does this affect you?

  • Children at risk: They receive stronger protection against being taken abroad into harmful situations.
  • Parents/Guardians: They face stricter rules regarding taking children out of the country if there are concerns about the child's well-being.
  • Social Services: They gain new tools to intervene and protect children from potential harm abroad.
  • Police Authority: They will handle more cases involving exit bans and expanded child abduction offenses, with new rules for confidentiality.

In Practice

  • Authorities can stop children from leaving Sweden if there's a clear risk of harm to their health or development abroad.
  • This includes preventing children from being taken on 'upbringing trips' or attempts to join criminal groups.
  • Information about children with exit bans will be kept secret by the police to protect their privacy.
  • It is now a crime to take or hide a child under 15 to stop social services from providing necessary care.