Sweden expands grounds for revoking residence permits with controversial new law

This measure has drawn significant criticism from several NGOs. The law mandates that the "conduct" of foreign nationals will now be a criterion for granting residence permits in Sweden. Specific examples of such conduct include unpaid debts, undeclared work, criminal activity, non-payment of taxes, or links to extremist organizations.

This legislation is part of a broader tightening of Sweden's migration policy, spearheaded by the right-wing government and supported by the nationalist Sweden Democrats, particularly ahead of legislative elections. The new measure applies to both pending residence permit applications and permits already granted. The Swedish Migration Agency will be responsible for reviewing cases and withdrawing permits, with the possibility of appeal to the migration court.

The opposition and human rights organizations have strongly criticized the law, especially because its criteria are based on behaviors that are not necessarily criminal offenses. The Civil Rights Defenders organization stated that the "good conduct law leaves people uncertain about what actions or expressions can be used against them." Amnesty International went further, denouncing it as a "racist law" and accusing the Swedish government of "creating a system that treats people differently based on their ethnic origin.