Sweden Tightens Up Citizenship Rules Amid Illegal Immigration Crackdown

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson speaks during a press conference in Rome, Italy, on Feb. 26, 2025. Reuters/Remo CasilliSweden’s government has announced plans to further tighten up the process for claiming asylum, following years of concern about soaring levels of immigration.The Nordic nation, once regarded as ultra-liberal on immigration, will introduce more stringent citizenship rules with applicants facing an increased wait of eight years before they can apply, a minimum wage threshold, and a test of their understanding of Swedish language and society, the center-right government said on Monday.