Sweden’s government has announced plans to amend the constitution to allow authorities to revoke Swedish citizenship for dual nationals involved in gang-related crimes. The move comes in response to rising organised crime and security concerns, which Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer has described as threats to democracy.
The reforms will enable parliament to strip dual citizens of their Swedish nationality if they are found guilty of crimes threatening state security or linked to organised criminal networks. This aligns with similar policies in Denmark, where citizenship can already be revoked for actions harmful to state interests. By targeting gang leaders orchestrating violent crimes from abroad, the government aims to disrupt networks responsible for a dramatic rise in shootings and bombings.
The centre-right government, supported by the right-wing Sweden Democrats, points to alarming statistics of 363 shootings and numerous bombings in 2024 as evidence of the need for reform. Migration Minister Johan Forssell said it was “far too easy” to become Swedish.
“We are going to build a Sweden that sticks together, where Swedish citizenship matters more,” Forssell said.
By 2026, new criteria for citizenship will require an eight-year residency period, a clean criminal record, and proof of financial independence. Forssell said these changes were essential for addressing challenges posed by Sweden’s significant migrant influx in recent years.
The government’s proposals come as Sweden struggles to deal with the effects of mass immigration. A recent trial involved radicalised Swedish brothers accused of planning Islamist terror attacks on Jewish targets. Linked to the Islamic State, they allegedly sought underage perpetrators for their plans.
Gang violence has become so bad that some migrants are fleeing back to their home countries. One restaurant owner, who left Iraq two decades ago seeking safety, returned to his homeland after enduring violent threats and extortion from criminal gangs in Stockholm.
Additionally, the government has proposed reviewing the status of asylum seekers who travel back to their home countries for vacations, raising questions about the legitimacy of their refugee claims.
The latest planned changes are expected to be implemented by 2027 and reflect a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s social cohesion and security.
