Sweden Tightens Up Citizenship Rules Amid Illegal Immigration Crackdown

The Scandinavian country has made further moves to alter its once liberal immigration policies, following concerns about crime rates and social tensions.
Sweden Tightens Up Citizenship Rules Amid Illegal Immigration Crackdown
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson speaks during a press conference in Rome, Italy, on Feb. 26, 2025. Reuters/Remo Casilli
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Sweden’s government has announced plans to further tighten up the process for claiming asylum, following years of concern about soaring levels of immigration.
The Nordic nation, once regarded as ultra-liberal on immigration, will introduce more stringent citizenship rules with applicants facing an increased wait of eight years before they can apply, a minimum wage threshold, and a test of their understanding of Swedish language and society, the center-right government said on Monday.
Rachel Roberts
Rachel Roberts
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Rachel Roberts is a London-based journalist with a background in local then national news. She focuses on health and education stories and has a particular interest in vaccines and issues impacting children.