Sweden’s government is facing mounting criticism over reforms that will introduce an “honest living” requirement for migrants, with rights groups and legal experts warning the proposal could be discriminatory and undermine fundamental freedoms, as breaching the standard could lead to deportation.


The measure is part of a broader push by the government—elected in 2022 on promises to tighten immigration and tackle crime—to fast-track reforms ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September. If approved, the policy is set to take effect on July 13, as Euronews reports.


Under the proposal, Sweden’s Migration Agency would assess whether non-EU citizens meet a standard of “honest living” when applying for or renewing residence permits. Authorities would consider whether applicants have posed a threat to public order, shown extremist sym

Additional factors could include accumulating debt “without any intention or effort to repay,” involvement in organised begging, welfare fraud, or working off the books. Those deemed to fall short of the standard could face deportation.


“The consequences will be very serious” for migrants affected by the reform, said John Stauffer.


Government defends tougher migration stance


Officials argue the proposal is a necessary step to ensure integration and uphold social norms. Migration Minister Johan Forssell stressed that residency rights come with obligations.


“It is not a human right to stay in Sweden. It is important to remember that,” Forssell said earlier.


“If you come to Sweden and you’re not a citizen, it’s almost like being a guest in someone’s home. Then you should show that you want to become part of the country. That you make an effort, that you pull your weight, that you work,” he added.


Sweden's political landscape is continuing its slide to the right, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson having recently announced to offer the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD) ministerial positions should his four-party coalition win the next elections. This would mark the first time that a party from the right side of the political spectrum enters the Swedish government.


Critics warn of discrimination and legal risks


Opponents say the proposal risks creating a two-tier system of rights, particularly around freedom of expression and legal protections.


“This creates a system where people, depending on their legal status and whether they are citizens or have residence permits, have different rights in our society, especially when it comes to freedom of expression,” Stauffer said.


“If you are a citizen, you have broad and strongly protected freedom of expression. If you are not a citizen, then you will have freedom of expression, but it will not be as strong,” he explained.


The lack of a clearly defined list of violations has also raised concerns. While statements alone are not expected to constitute proof of failing the “honest living” standard, they could still be used to indicate links to “violent extremism,” according to Ludvig Aspling.


The proposal has drawn criticism from many spheres of Swedish life, including the journalistic community. In an op-ed for the Swedish Dagens Nyheter daily, writer Gellert Tamas suggested some government figures might themselves fall short of the standard, citing alleged links to extremist groups within political circles. He was referring to Forssell's son’s former membership in the openly Nazi group Aktivklubb Sverigs.


By Nazrin Sadigova