Sweden passes law to revoke residency permits for ‘bad behaviour’ and forces public workers to report undocumented migr​

Sweden’s parliament approved a “good‑behaviour” law that lets authorities withdraw residence permits from migrants for conduct such as unpaid debts, undeclared work, tax evasion or links to extremist organisations. The measure applies to pending applications and retroactively to permits already granted and was adopted by a narrow 174‑172 majority. The legislation is part of a broader right‑wing immigration crackdown ahead of September elections, with Migration Minister Johan Forssell defending it as a way to ensure only those who “do the right thing” may stay.

A companion law obliges most public‑sector employees – tax officials, employment and social‑insurance agencies, prison and probation services – to report to police any person they suspect of lacking a valid residence permit. Teachers, doctors and social workers were exempted after criticism. Human‑rights groups, including Amnesty International and Civil Rights Defenders, warn the vague criteria could lead to arbitrary decisions, create a climate of fear, and encourage racial profiling.

Opponents argue the combined measures undermine the rule of law and equal treatment, while the government says they are necessary to curb perceived abuse of the welfare system and improve public safety.