Sweden Announces Major Policy Shift to Deport Immigrants Convicted of Crimes
Sweden's government has announced a significant policy shift aimed at increasing the deportation of immigrants convicted of crimes. The proposal, unveiled on Wednesday, suggests that as a general rule, any offence carrying a penalty higher than a fine should result in expulsion from the country.
Government Criticizes Current System as Too Lenient
Minister for Migration Johan Forssell stated that the current system has been too lenient towards foreign criminals. "For far too long in Sweden, foreign criminals who have committed serious crimes in the country have been coddled," Forssell told reporters at a press conference. He emphasized the need for stricter measures to address this issue.
Key Changes in Proposed Legislation
The proposed legislation introduces several key changes:
- Prosecutors would be required to request deportation as part of sentencing in applicable cases, rather than leaving the decision to their discretion.
- The government estimates that these changes could increase deportations to around 3,000 per year, which is roughly six times the current annual average of about 500.
- The bill is set to be submitted to Sweden's Council on Legislation for review before being presented to parliament.
Context of Rising Crime Concerns
This move comes as Sweden continues to grapple with organized violent crime, much of it linked to gang conflicts and competition over the drug trade. While official statistics show a decline in deadly shootings, bombings have reportedly increased in recent times.
Broader Government Crackdown on Crime
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's right-wing government, supported in parliament by the Sweden Democrats, came to power in 2022 pledging tougher policies on both immigration and crime. Since then, authorities have implemented several measures as part of a broader crackdown:
- Expanded police powers to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
- Introduced harsher sentencing measures for criminal offences.
- Proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 to address youth crime more effectively.
The government intends for the new deportation law to take effect on September 1, pending legislative approval. This policy represents a significant shift in Sweden's approach to immigration and crime, aiming to strengthen public safety and address growing concerns about criminal activities involving immigrants.
