Sweden’s government on Wednesday announced plans to significantly increase the deportation of immigrants convicted of crimes, stating that any offense with a penalty higher than a fine should generally result in deportation.
Minister for Migration Johan Forssell said at a press conference, “For far too long in Sweden, foreign criminals who have committed serious crimes in the country have been coddled.” The proposed legislation would require prosecutors to request deportation as part of sentencing rather than leaving it optional, aiming to streamline the process.
The government estimates the new law could result in around 3,000 deportations annually, a sixfold increase from the current average of roughly 500 per year. The bill will first be reviewed by Sweden’s Council on Legislation before being presented to parliament. Forssell said the law is intended to take effect on September 1.
Sweden has faced rising organised violent crime over the past decade, largely linked to gang wars and struggles to control the drug market. While deadly shootings have declined, bombings have reportedly increased.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s right-wing government, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, came to power in 2022 promising a tougher stance on immigration and crime. Measures already implemented include extended police powers, harsher sentences, and initiatives to combat youth crime, such as plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13.
The proposed bill reflects the government’s broader strategy to combine stricter immigration rules with strengthened law enforcement to address public safety concerns across the country.
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