It will have entirely different consequences if you commit a crime or misbehave in Sweden, says Minister Johan Forssell (M).
He received the so-called vandelsutredningen today, which proposes that a fundamental requirement for a person's vandel – way of living – be reintroduced in the Aliens Act.
What is to be considered as lacking vandel will primarily be up to the migration courts to assess.
Refuse to pay
The investigator Robert Schött does not think that a list of examples should be included in the legislation. He still gives examples of what shortcomings in way of living can be about – and what could lead to denied or revoked residence permits.
It could be that one refuses to pay debts or systematically avoids doing so, according to the investigator. He talks about "behavior or actions that society counteracts".
A foreigner who cannot explain how they support themselves can also be an expression of lacking vandel, says Schött.
He also mentions abuse of the welfare system and benefit fraud, even in cases where it has not led to a conviction. It can also be about repeated minor offenses that have been punished with fines. Today, only crimes that have resulted in imprisonment can lead to deportation.
Sees it as a signal
Disorderly conduct based on abuse can also be considered as lacking behavior.
But abuse in itself is not automatically lacking vandel, says Robert Schött, adding that one should be willing to receive care and support offered by society.
Schött believes that the proposed legislative tightening will primarily have an effect as a signal that one should not come to Sweden if one does not intend to behave. Initially, he sees that a "not insignificant" number of people waiting for a decision on whether to stay in Sweden will be affected.
Introduced in 2026
If a person expresses themselves in a way that can be considered to threaten public order or security in Sweden, it should become more possible to deny or revoke their residence permit, it is further proposed.
Johan Forssell mentions the LVU campaign a few years ago, when Sweden was targeted by extensive disinformation, as an example of statements that threatened Sweden's security. He says that ultimately, it will be up to the courts to assess.
Forssell thinks that the investigation's proposal is in line with what the government wants to do. The goal is to introduce stricter legislation before the next election in September 2026. In response to a question about the concept of lacking vandel risking arbitrary decisions, the minister replies:
I am convinced that most people understand exactly what we mean in connection with this.
The investigator does not want to introduce an example list in the legislation. Much will be decided in a comprehensive assessment and from case to case. Ultimately, the courts will decide.
But the following are mentioned as examples of lacking vandel:
Unwillingness to pay debts
Abuse of the welfare system
Failing to comply with fundamental Swedish values, such as disorderly conduct due to abuse
Associating with criminal gangs
Statements that "in a context with certain accompanying consequences" can be seen as a security threat. The LVU campaign is taken as an example.
The proposed tightening primarily affects foreign citizens who have work permits, are students, or have come to Sweden as relatives. Refugees and those in need of protection are not affected to the same extent.
