New law on information duty enters into force in Sweden
As of today, a new law applies in Sweden that affects how government agencies cooperate with the police. The law means that six different agencies are now required to share information about foreign citizens with the Police Authority. The purpose of the new legislation is to facilitate the police's work in verifying people's right to reside in the country.
The agencies covered by the new law include the Swedish Tax Agency, the Public Employment Service, and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. When these agencies come into contact with foreign citizens who lack permission to be in Sweden, they must now report this. The information is intended to help the police locate individuals who are avoiding the authorities.
However, the decision has met with criticism from several quarters. Critics argue that the law could lead to a so-called "snitch society," where employees at government agencies are forced to police people instead of focusing on their regular service. There is concern that this could reduce trust in public institutions and cause people to avoid seeking help or support when they need it.
The government defends the legislative change and emphasizes that it is an important part of the work to strengthen control over who is in Sweden. According to the government, it is necessary for agencies to cooperate more effectively to maintain law and order. They argue that the law is a tool to ensure that regulations regarding residence permits are followed.
It remains to be seen how the law will work in practice and what effect it will have on the daily work of the agencies. The debate about the balance between control and trust is expected to continue in the coming period as the new routines are implemented throughout the country.