STOCKHOLM, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Sweden is preparing to amend the constitution to allow the revocation of passports from individuals who acquired citizenship through fraudulent means or pose a threat to national security, the government announced on Wednesday.
Those holding dual nationality who obtained citizenship through deceit, bribery, or coercion, as well as individuals convicted of crimes like espionage or treason, may have their Swedish passports rescinded if the legislation is approved.
According to Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer, "Sweden is faced with three significant and simultaneous threats to our internal security: violent extremism, hostile actions by state actors, and systemic organized crime."
Following a promise to continue reducing immigration and gang-related crimes made during the 2022 elections, Sweden's minority government, in alliance with the far-right and anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, has been focusing on enhancing national security measures. The government is planning to prolong the waiting period for immigrants residing in Sweden to become eligible for citizenship from five to eight years.
The proposal to withdraw citizenship was introduced by a bipartisan parliamentary committee. To enact the changes to the Swedish constitution, the proposal must secure a majority vote in parliament, followed by a general election and a subsequent Riksdag vote.
Despite efforts from right-wing government factions and their supporters to further enable the revocation of citizenship for dual citizens involved in gang-related crimes, this proposition did not make it into the committee's proposed changes.
Approximately 20% of Sweden's 10.5 million population are foreign-born residents.