Is Sweden’s government about to strip away people’s permanent residency?

Sweden’s public broadcaster SR reported the upcoming proposal on Thursday, citing anonymous sources.

The broadcaster claimed that the inquiry chair, Josephine Boswell, a former judge and Sweden Democrat-appointed civil servant, was planning to recommend recalling existing permanent residency permits and replacing them with temporary permits, having determined that this as legal under Sweden’s constitution. 

According to Swedish radio, holders of permanent residency should have it recalled if they came to Sweden as refugees or obtained permanent residency after being allowed to stay in Sweden to finished upper secondary education under the so-called gymnasium law. 

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It appears that people who have obtained permanent residency after coming to Sweden on a work permit will be allowed to retain their status. 

According to Swedish Radio, the inquiry chair has come to the conclusion that the measures would be permissible under The Instrument of Government, one of Sweden’s four constitutional laws, and was also permissible under the international conventions to which Sweden is a signatory. 

After losing their right to permanent residency, those affected would have to meet the requirements for temporary residency to be able to stay in Sweden. They would also be given the option to apply for Swedish citizenship if they meet the requirements.