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Swedish Parliament Passes Retroactive “Bad Behaviour” Migrant Law

6/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Swedish parliament approved on June 15 a retroactive law that revokes residence permits for immigrants deemed to have shown ‘bad behaviour’ and passed by a narrow 174-172 vote.
Tax, employment, social-insurance, prison and probation staff must report suspected unauthorized migrants to police, while teachers, doctors and social workers are exempt.
Civil Rights Defenders and PICUM warned the law could foster fear and erode legal equality.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 migrant surge brought 163,000 asylum seekers to Sweden, prompting temporary Øresund border checks that cut arrivals to 29,000 in 2016 and fueling a Sweden-Democrats poll rise to 19.9%. After the 2022 right-wing election gains, the Riksdag voted on 15 June 2024 to tighten reporting duties, a move civil-rights groups warn threatens the country’s humanitarian reputation.

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Story summary

Swedish parliament approved on June 15 a retroactive law that revokes residence permits for immigrants deemed to have shown ‘bad behaviour’ and passed by a narrow 174-172 vote.
Tax, employment, social-insurance, prison and probation staff must report suspected unauthorized migrants to police, while teachers, doctors and social workers are exempt.
Civil Rights Defenders and PICUM warned the law could foster fear and erode legal equality.

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