Sweden’s government intends for proposed changes to the country’s citizenship law to apply to all new citizenships granted after June 6, according to Migration Minister Johan Forssell.
Speaking in response to questions from Radio Sweden, Forssell said the government considers it self-evident that the new rules should take effect immediately for citizenships approved after that date. The statement comes amid criticism from Sweden’s Council on Legislation, which has raised concerns about the lack of transition rules in the government’s draft bill.
In its review, the Council on Legislation argued that the proposal should include clear transitional provisions for citizenship applications that are already in progress when the law comes into force. Without such rules, applicants who submitted their paperwork under the current system could suddenly find themselves subject to stricter requirements, potentially creating legal uncertainty.
Forssell, however, defended the government’s position, indicating that the intention has always been for the revised legislation to apply uniformly to all decisions made after June 6, regardless of when applications were submitted. The government believes this approach ensures clarity and consistency in how citizenship decisions are handled going forward.
The proposed changes to Sweden’s citizenship law are part of a broader effort by the government to tighten migration policies. The bill is still moving through the legislative process, and the final decision will rest with parliament.
