The Swedish parliament passed a law on June 16, 2026, that allows for the revocation of immigrants’ residency permits based on their behavior. The law, referred to as the 'good behavior' law, applies to both current and pending residents and targets individuals affiliated with extremist groups, those with unpaid debts, or those engaged in undeclared work. Johan Forssell, Sweden’s Minister for Migration, stated that individuals who do not make an effort to comply with regulations should not expect to remain in the country.
The law is part of the Right-wing government's broader strategy to address crime and immigration, which were significant issues in the 2022 election. Human rights groups have criticized the law, arguing that it is arbitrary as it allows for the revocation of residency permits for non-criminal behavior. The Civil Rights Defenders, a Stockholm-based organization, expressed concerns about the uncertainty the law creates regarding what actions could lead to permit revocation.
Under the new legislation, the Migration Agency will review residency permits, and decisions can be appealed in migration court. This law coincides with the passage of another law requiring certain government workers to report illegal immigrants to the police. In recent years, Sweden has shifted its immigration policy from being welcoming to focusing on highly skilled workers, with a significant decrease in the number of immigrants accepted annually. As of spring 2026, approximately 20% of Sweden's population of 10.7 million is foreign-born. The country has also seen a notable increase in violent crime, with a reported rise in rapes and gang violence affecting its reputation for safety.