Immigrants hoping to become Swedish citizens must demonstrate that they have lived an “honest life” and commit to respecting the Nordic nation’s liberal values, under new rules announced by Migration Minister Johan Forssell
The new regulations were proposed by a government-appointed commission and adopted by the government this week, Forssell said at a press conference on Tuesday. They will come into force next year
Under the new system, immigrants applying for citizenship will have to prove that they have resided in Sweden for eight years, and that they have lived an “honest life” – with no criminal convictions or outstanding debts – both before and after arriving in Sweden
Currently, Swedish authorities only examine applicants’ conduct after arrival, and immigrants may apply for citizenship after five years
”This is particularly important at a time when Sweden has welcomed hundreds of thousands of people from many parts of the world in recent years,” Forssell told reporters. “You should feel proud to be a Swedish citizen, and you only feel proud once you’ve made an effort.”
Hellbound and Down 