Sweden will temporarily pause the deportation of teenage migrants as the government plans to reform family immigration rules. The move comes after widespread criticism over cases where minors were forced to leave while their parents were allowed to stay.
Sweden’s government announced on Friday (March 6) that it intends to reform widely condemned immigration rules that have led to teenagers being deported even as their families remain in the country. The Swedish Migration Agency has temporarily suspended these deportations while the reforms are being prepared.
“We have agreed on a reform of family immigration that gives those who have come to Sweden, learn Swedish, study or work and do their part, a better chance to build a future for themselves in Sweden,” French news agency AFP cited Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson as saying at a press conference.
The issue of so-called "teenage deportations" has dominated Swedish headlines in recent months. Both the right-wing government and its far-right partner, the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, have acknowledged flaws in the system. These cases involve minors who arrived in Sweden with their parents seeking asylum but are ordered to leave upon turning 18, while their parents retain the right to stay.
Previously, children of asylum seekers granted residence permits were allowed to remain permanently. Since 2021, however, they have been given only temporary permits and must reapply, while wage requirements for those seeking work visas were substantially raised in 2023.
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Sweden's Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson confirmed on Friday that the government is preparing a bill to reform the legislation concerning children of asylum seekers. Meanwhile, the Swedish Migration Agency is pausing teenage cases, acknowledging that the reform could allow more applicants to remain.
"A teenager who has done nothing wrong and is growing up here with parents who work should not have to leave our country," Mohamsson said.
Prime Minister Kristersson, whose coalition government relies on the Sweden Democrats, took office in 2022 campaigning to tighten immigration controls. He emphasized that his partners and the Sweden Democrats still support a strict immigration policy and that “that strategy is still in place.”
Kristersson also noted that the government plans to investigate whether previously granted permanent residence permits could be withdrawn or changed into temporary ones.
With AFP