Sweden Plans to Scrap Citizenship for Individuals Viewed As Threat to National Security

The political parties in Sweden have agreed that dual citizenship holders should have their Swedish passports taken if they represent a threat to national security.

Some of the offenses that could put dual citizens at risk of having their citizenship revoked include those who used bribes or false information to obtain a Swedish passport. Individuals who commit crimes that jeopardise the country’s security, such as offenses related to terrorism, can lose their citizenship, Schengen.News reports. 

Based on Sweden’s constitution, it is currently not allowed for an individual to have their citizenship revoked. However, this law will be up for voting next year, and it is possible to change it. 

Swedish Parties Torn When It Comes to Citizenship Revocation Measure 
Although the Justice Minister, Gunnar Strommer, has revealed that Sweden is dealing with “systematic crime,” some political parties do not think that revoking citizenship is the solution.

According to BBC, the centre-left opposition parties say that revoking citizenship for people with criminal offenses would be an excessive measure. In addition, the Left and the Greens said they do not support revoking citizenship at all. 

The centre-right governing parties, supported by Democrats, who are known for their anti-immigration approach, want to address the increase in gang crime and gun killings that have been evident in the country recently.

As the Migration Minister, Johan Forssell, revealed, 600 cases of candidates for Swedish citizenship were recorded by individuals who are considered a threat to national security. 

Strictier Citizenship Rules Introduced Across EU in a Bid to Prevent Terrorist Attacks 
Sweden would not be the first country to consider tightening rules for citizenship candidates. Many countries in the Schengen Area, including Denmark, have discussed or even imposed new requirements for those who want to obtain citizenship. 

More specifically, Danish authorities have proposed introducing new screening procedures for citizenship candidates, aiming at targeting candidates with anti-democratic attitudes. These include anti-semitic and homophobic attitudes. The Danish Minister for Integration has pointed out that this measure is important for the country.

Source: https://schengen.news/sweden-plans-to-scrap-citizenship-for-individuals-viewed-as-threat-to-national-security/