From June 6, stricter rules for obtaining citizenship will come into force in Sweden. These rules will apply to all applicants, even those who applied several years ago.
The opposition's attempt to implement transitional rules was rejected by parliament with a minimal majority of 147 to 146.
Modern.az reports that according to the new rules, the minimum residency period for applying for citizenship is increased from five to eight years. Mandatory exams in Swedish language and social sciences are also introduced for individuals over 16 years of age. Their implementation may be postponed until October 1. Additionally, an income requirement is set - at least 241,800 kronor per year (approximately 22 thousand dollars), and criteria for a decent lifestyle are tightened.
Toni Haddu, a representative of the Left Party, believes that people should have the opportunity to rely on the rules in force at the time of application. The Green Party has warned that the changes will affect tens of thousands of applicants awaiting a decision due to long-term processing.
At the same time, representatives of the ruling parties emphasized that the tightening of rules aims to increase security and prevent individuals with ties to crime from obtaining citizenship, and that the new rules should be implemented as soon as possible. As a result, the law was adopted by a majority of 258 votes to 33 against, with 58 members not participating.
