Sweden Considers Citizenship Revocation for Dual Citizens Threatening National Security

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Sweden's political parties have reached a consensus on a significant legal shift regarding citizenship for dual citizens who engage in criminal activities that threaten national security. A cross-party committee has proposed that individuals who obtained citizenship through bribery or deceit, as well as those involved in crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, could face revocation of their citizenship.

However, the plan does not extend to suggestions made by the minority government, which sought to allow for the removal of citizenship from gang leaders directing criminal activities from abroad. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer emphasized the need to address challenges, including violent extremism and organized crime.

Currently, Sweden's constitution prohibits revoking citizenship, and a parliamentary vote on this issue is scheduled for next year. While centre-right governing parties and the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats support these changes to combat rising gang violence and gun crime, opposition parties caution that such measures could be overly broad and difficult to define legally.

Additionally, the government plans to tighten citizenship application processes. Migration Minister Johan Forssell announced that starting in June 2026, applicants will need to reside in Sweden for eight years, an increase from the current five, and will be required to pass tests on Swedish language and societal norms.

The government aims to create a unified and proud Swedish identity, with proposals that align Sweden more closely with citizenship policies in neighboring European countries.

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