The government has decided to submit a legislative proposal with stricter requirements for those who want to bring their relatives here. According to Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M), the requirements have been too low for too long.
The regulations have in many ways been undemanding, he said at a press conference.
Of course, you should be able to bring relatives to Sweden, but then you have to work and do the right thing.
Wait longer
A new requirement is a two-year waiting period for those who want to apply to bring their relatives to Sweden. The requirement does not apply to labor immigrants, researchers and doctoral students, and certain refugees.
The Tidö parties also want to tighten the support requirement by 30 percent, which should also apply when extending a residence permit. In addition, the person must have a home of sufficient size.
For example, for someone who wants to bring a spouse and two children here, the support requirement, when housing costs are included, will be 35,743 SEK after tax. Income from subsidized employment, unemployment benefits and activity support will no longer be included. However, sickness benefit and parental benefit, for example, will be credited.
The purpose is to encourage self-sufficiency and integration, says Ingemar Kihlström (KD).
Takes effect
The rules will also be tightened for who can be a so-called connected person. For example, students will not be able to bring relatives here.
In recent years, the number of residence permits based on ties has been around 45,000. It is difficult to say how much of a reduction the bills will lead to, according to the Minister of Migration.
It will have a concrete effect, but no one knows how many people will seek asylum in Sweden in three, five or ten years, says Johan Forssell.
The proposed legislation will bring the rules into line with EU minimum standards. The proposed amendments will come into effect on 1 October this year.
