Recently, Syria has been freed from the oppressive Assad regime. Because of this, the Sweden Democrats (SD) have called for the Migration Agency to start revoking residence permits and permanent residence permits from Syrian citizens, when they can return home.  They also want to pause Syrian citizens with open asylum applications currently. SD believes that the residence permits should be reconsidered based on the new situation and calls on the Syrian citizens to return home.

“Unfortunately, it speaks volumes that Syria has now emerged from the ashes of the fire because destructive Islamist forces are behind the change of power. I note that there are groups that are happy about this here in Sweden. You should see this as a good opportunity to go home.” wrote the SD leader on X. Åkesson: Anyone born in Sweden should be able to lose their citizenship

They also want to revoke the refugee status declaration now that the regime has fallen. The party’s migration policy spokesperson Ludvig Aspling has expressed that he wants to convert permanent residence permits into temporary ones to give people time to prepare their return to Syria. This revocation only applies to Syrian citizens with residence permits and permanent residence permits, not those who have obtained Swedish citizenship. Aspling also says that an investigation into this will be presented in March 2025.

Are you a Syrian citizen with a permanent residence permit? Do you feel established in Swedish society and consider Sweden to be your home, as well as meet the requirements for Swedish citizenship?

The requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship are as follows:

1. Aged 18
2. Able to confirm identity
3. Meets the requirements for residence (consecutive years in Sweden, and legally/legally)

• 5 years if you are stateless, a refugee or in need of protection
• 4 years if you are a fugitive or in need of protection
• 3 years if you are stateless
• 2 years if you are a Nordic citizen

4. Lived a caregiving life

• No criminal record

5. Has the right type of residence permit

• Permanent residence permit

If you have questions or concerns, contact us at Askari Juristbyrå.

In the near future, we will write another column, which discusses in more detail what the Aliens Act states regarding those who have been granted asylum, and after a while the situation in their home country changes to the point that it can be argued that protection reasons (reasons for being granted asylum) no longer exist and/or are diminishing. Related to the issue of revoking residence permits.

Telephone: 08-58625862

Email: info@askarijuristbyra.se

Homepage: www.askarijuristbyra.se/en

Linkedin: Askari Juristbyrå

Read more on Aftonbladet’s website: SD wants to revoke Syrians’ residence permits – even if Islamists take over

The Swedish Migration Agency’s website: The Swedish Migration Agency decides on a decision and enforcement freeze for Syria – Swedish Migration Agency

Written by Olivia Ehn, Paralegal