People applying for Swedish citizenship should be required to show proof of Swedish language skills and understanding of the Swedish society, according to a new inquiry.
Sweden had always been welcoming to immigrants, with an open-door policy in place since 2015. But as people from different countries with difficult living conditions began to flood into Europe, the Swedish government noticed an increase in violence, sex crimes, bombings, and shootings that had been absent from the country for years.
As crime rates continued to rise, conservative parties began to push for stricter policies to help control the unrest. By requiring migrants to learn Swedish and pass language tests before becoming citizens, politicians hope to reduce the spread of violence and unrest in the country.
The Swedish Social Democratic Party listened and, as a result, announced that foreign nationals seeking citizenship would have to pass a language test and a civil component of a citizenship test, which would cost over $250.
The new policy requires foreign nationals to prove their ability to speak, listen, read, and write in Swedish to become citizens. These tests cost more than $250 in total, with the language tests alone costing over $200. However, there is an alternative path to citizenship for those unable to pass the tests. Applicants can also gain citizenship by passing grade 9 in a Swedish high school. The policy applies to citizenship seekers between the ages of sixteen and sixty-six.
Minister Johansson believes that language is the key to both work and society and that learning Swedish is essential for those who want to become citizens. However, the policy does make exceptions for disabled, illiterate, and stateless people who are unable to pass the tests. These individuals will need to show proof that they tried their best to pass the tests and explain why they were unsuccessful.
Gothenburg’s chief of police, Erik Nord, has expressed concern about the rise of criminal gangs in Sweden and the need for more police and reinforced courts and prisons to deal with the situation.
Many readers of Daily Mail have applauded Sweden’s decision to make it harder for migrants to become citizens, with comments like: “Well done, Sweden. Learn from the mistakes of the UK and liberal lefties who have made decisions which see immigrants living in the UK that have never learned to speak English,” and “Good. It should be like this in every country!”
“Swedish language courses are free for newcomers in Sweden. They also get a daily allowance to attend, so there is no reason not to learn, and yet some have not learned the language after 15 years.”
“Good. It should be like this in every country!”
Sources: AWM, Dailymail, 2020conservative
