Stricter requirements are on the horizon for those who want to secure permanent residency in Sweden.
A report, currently under submission to the government, suggests that individuals must pass two examinations, one in the Swedish language and another in Swedish social studies, to qualify for residency in Sweden.
Maria Malmer Stenergard welcomes the report, highlighting that comparable knowledge prerequisites are already in place in numerous other European countries. However, she finds it "frustrating" that, according to the investigator's proposal, the new system may not come into effect until 2027.
– We need to scrutinize this matter thoroughly. There is a delicate balance between rapid implementation and maintaining high standards, she remarks.
There's also a question about which demographic groups will be subject to these requirements when they are eventually rolled out. The government and the Sweden Democrats have signaled their intention to phase out permanent residency permits, but this will solely affect asylum seekers, as stated by the minister of immigration.
– There may still be a transitional period before this regulation is established during which these requirements will be applied. Furthermore, there will be categories exempt from the phase-out of permanent residency permits, explains Stenergard.
She mentions labor immigrants and students as examples of those who will likely be exempt.
– We strongly believe that if individuals desire to reside here permanently, they should possess a reasonable proficiency in the Swedish language.
Fredrik Fries, the investigator, explains the delay in establishing this system is due to the time-consuming process of creating and developing the tests.
– Creating the test is only part of the process. It's also crucial to trial the different questions and tasks with suitable test groups, Fries explains.
His proposal is for the Swedish language test to be in the form of a listening comprehension test, i.e., understanding a certain level of Swedish at level A2, according to European language proficiency standards.
Additionally, reading proficiency in Swedish will be required as the social studies test will be in written form.
Taking each test will cost 700 kronor. Those who fail to pass will have the opportunity to retake the test multiple times. The Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) will be responsible for administering the tests
