Sweden Moves to Revoke Citizenship of Dual Nationals Under New Constitutional Amendment
Sweden’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment allowing the country to introduce laws revoking the citizenship of dual nationals who obtained nationality fraudulently or were convicted of crimes seriously threatening the country’s vital interests. The amendment passed on Wednesday, November 11, with 292 votes in favour and 51 against, marking a significant shift in Sweden’s citizenship policy.
The move follows efforts by the outgoing centre-right government, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, to address organised crime and gang-related offences involving dual nationals. The constitutional change required approval in two parliamentary votes separated by an election, with Wednesday’s vote completing that process. However, the next government will determine how the amendment is implemented and which offences could lead to citizenship being revoked.
The proposal has attracted criticism from civil rights advocates, who warn that it could create unequal levels of citizenship and raise concerns about equal treatment under the law. Sweden is currently governed by a caretaker administration as political parties work to form a new government following the September 13 election. Until implementing legislation is introduced, the amendment does not by itself establish the specific procedures for revoking citizenship.
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