Sweden Finally Getting Tough on Deporting Criminal Migrants?

The Swedish government has tried on a few occasions over the past year to create the impression that it takes the deportation of foreign criminals seriously, only to be called out for not backing tough rhetoric with action.

But its latest announcement has received measured praise even from some who have been critical in the past.

Migration Minister Johan Forssell (Moderates) says changes to the law that he is soon to announce could lead to a sixfold increase in criminal deportations. These will include further work with recipient countries and removing incentives for migrants to fight against their removal.

The bar for such an increase is, of course, incredibly low, with Expressen reporting that just 2.8% of deportation orders are enforced.

But Sweden Democrat MP Richard Jomshof, whose party wants to introduce the toughest migration policy in Europe, accepted that while “one could go even harder than that … the proposal is a big step in the right direction.”

Forssell will limit access to welfare benefits for those who are supposed to be deported and will require them to report to the police over a set period. He stressed that the current lax system is “finally over now.”

If it’s the case that people don’t go home voluntarily, then we will use a completely different way than before to ensure that this happens.

Felix Arnstedt, who works at the Ministry of Justice, said “it’s outrageous that people who committed serious crimes, were sentenced to deportation but stayed in Sweden, were rewarded with access to welfare and benefits” in the first place, but insisted: “We’re changing that.” He also suggested the current situation would be worse still were the Left and Social Democrats in charge.