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The government plans on bringing tougher rules for family reunification in Sweden

New tougher rules for family reunification in Sweden are likely to be introduced. The government thinks current rules are more generous than what is required under EU laws. There will be appointed an investigator to review the residence permit granting regulations.

Extensive immigration in recent years combined with a lack of integration has contributed to major challenges with growing exclusion. Reviewing and further tightening the conditions for family immigration is an important step in reversing the trend and ensuring a responsible, strict and long-term sustainable migration policy.

says Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.

Last autumn, the government proposed changes to make family immigration rules stricter. However, Sweden’s current rules and international commitments are still more generous than what EU law requires. Additionally, these regulations are complicated and sometimes seem inconsistent.

The government plans to appoint an investigator to review the rules for family immigration and will be given time till 25 August to complete the task.

The review will focus on:

  • Tightening subsistence requirements.
  • Examining other conditions for granting residence permits based on family connections.

The goal is to create strict regulations that:

  • Comply with EU law.
  • Respect Sweden’s international commitments.

The investigator will also review conditions for family immigration for Swedish citizens.

As per new proposed rules, obtaining Swedish citizenship will be tougher than ever before due to increased eligibility time to eight years, mandatory language, and life in Sweden tests. Foreigners will now have to fulfill more requirements such as cleaner records and financial independence.

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