Sweden's Migration Agency: Revoking permanent residency could take 'eight years'

"Processing those cases would take eight years, cost a total of 3.6 billion kronor during those years and require 336 people working full time per year, according to the agency. The general rule, which the inquiry recommended should come into force on January 1st 2027, would be that permanent residency permits for anything but work permit holders (and their dependants) or partners of Swedes would be revoked and replaced with temporary residency permits."

"If the foreigner applies for citizenship by December 31st, 2026, they would be covered by an exemption, and would not have their permanent residence permit revoked. This exemption would remain in place until they have received a 'final and non-appealable decision' on their citizenship case. If they are then refused citizenship, their permanent residence permits would then be revoked."

"They would then automatically be assessed for a temporary residence permit, with the Migration Agency first determining if they qualify for a permit on the grounds of long-term resident status (varaktigt bosatt). Temporary residence permits on the basis of long-term resident status would be valid for five years and are designed to be automatic."

A Swedish government inquiry proposed converting permanent residence permits into temporary permits for approximately 120,000 people, excluding work permit holders, their dependents, and partners of Swedish citizens. The Migration Agency estimates processing 118,700 affected cases would take eight years at a total cost of 3.6 billion kronor, requiring 336 full-time employees annually. The proposed law would take effect January 1st, 2027. Foreigners applying for citizenship by December 31st, 2026 would be exempt from permit revocation during their application process. Those denied citizenship would have permits revoked and be automatically assessed for temporary residence permits based on long-term resident status, valid for five years.

Read at www.thelocal.se