Sweden’s parliament has passed a controversial law requiring certain public sector employees to notify police if they encounter migrants who are not authorised to live in the country.
The legislation was approved on 15 June by a narrow margin of 174 votes to 172 and forms part of Sweden’s broader effort to tighten migration controls.
Under the new rules, employees at agencies including the tax authority, employment service, social insurance agency, prison service and probation service must report individuals they suspect lack the legal right to remain in Sweden.
Teachers, doctors and social workers have been exempted from the reporting requirement following criticism from professional groups and civil society organisations.
The law has sparked debate in Sweden, with opponents arguing it could create fear among migrant communities and discourage people from interacting with public authorities.
Jacob Lind, a migration researcher at Malmö University, described the measure as “extremely problematic” and said it carried significant symbolic weight because it required government agencies to report undocumented migrants.
John Stauffer of the Swedish human rights organisation Civil Rights Defenders said the close vote reflected the level of public disagreement surrounding the issue.
The legislation comes as the European Union moves ahead with reforms aimed at strengthening migration management and speeding up deportation procedures across member states.
For migrants living in Sweden, the new law means that contact with certain government agencies could now lead to information being shared with law enforcement if officials believe a person lacks legal residency status.
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