Sweden: Proposed law to report undocumented migrants sparks fear
There is no clear evidence that it could increase returns but people remain in the country in increasingly vulnerable and marginalised situations.
Join our WhatsApp Community to receive travel deals, free stays, and special offers!
- Join Now -
Join our WhatsApp Community to receive travel deals, free stays, and special offers!
- Join Now -
In November, the Swedish government presented a proposal for a new law requiring public servants to provide information regarding undocumented migrants to the police, who will then share the information with immigration authorities.
The proposal, which has been debated for years, has sparked protests by civil society and trade unions. They argue that legally requiring teachers, doctors, nurses and librarians to report undocumented people would violate their professional code of ethics and deny people their human rights.
The government, which consists of three centre-right parties collaborating with the right-wing Sweden Democrats, has now agreed that employees of six government authorities should be included in the proposed law. Municipalities and healthcare facilities, schools, and social services will not be included. The Red Cross’ mission is to assist people in vulnerable situations. We are guided by our seven fundamental principles, including humanity and impartial support for all those who turn to us, regardless of their legal status.
When we meet undocumented people in Sweden, we see that they are increasingly worried and afraid since this debate about the proposed new law began.
Withdrawal and avoidance
The mere fact that the government has opened an inquiry to look into whether municipalities and authorities should be obliged to actively provide information on undocumented individuals has stoked this fear,...
