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Sweden’s political parties have reached a consensus that dual citizens who commit crimes threatening national security should lose their citizenship. A cross-party committee proposed that this measure apply to those who used bribes or false information to obtain citizenship, as well as those involved in state-threatening crimes or offenses under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
However, the committee did not support the government’s proposal to revoke citizenship from gang leaders. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer explained that Sweden is grappling with violent extremism, hostile state actors, and organized crime.
Currently, under Sweden’s constitution, revoking citizenship is not allowed. A parliamentary vote on amending the law is scheduled for next year.
Currently, under Sweden’s constitution, revoking citizenship is not allowed. A parliamentary vote on amending the law is scheduled for next year.
Opposition parties, particularly from the centre-left, argue that stripping gang criminals of their citizenship would be problematic, citing difficulties in defining the law. The Left and Green parties oppose the measure entirely.
On the other hand, Sweden’s centre-right government, along with the Sweden Democrats, support the change to combat the rise in gang violence and gun crimes. Strommer criticized the current law for not addressing foreign-based gang leaders orchestrating crimes in Sweden.
The proposal draws on Denmark’s law, which allows citizenship revocation for acts threatening national security, including serious gang crime.
Additionally, Sweden plans to tighten its citizenship requirements. As of June 2026, applicants will need to have lived in Sweden for eight years (up from five) and pass tests on Swedish language and society. Migration Minister Johan Forssell said the current system has made citizenship too easy to acquire and emphasized that Swedish citizenship should be something to be proud of.
Though the government is considering further measures, such as requiring new citizens to swear loyalty to Sweden, these suggestions were not included in the committee’s recommendations. The changes aim to align Sweden with other European countries in citizenship practices.
Source: BBC
