The introduction of the Swedish citizenship test risks being delayed further. Despite the government already having postponed the timeline, Stockholm University now announces that it likely will not be able to deliver the finalized Swedish test by the agreed deadline. The announcement has been met with sharp criticism from Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M), who believes the university has had sufficient time.
The new Swedish citizenship test was supposed to form a central part of the tightened requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship. The government’s goal is for the test to be ready no later than October 1, 2027.
However, at Stockholm University, which has been commissioned to develop the test, there is now a warning that the timetable will not be met. The university’s vice-chancellor Hans Adolfsson points to extensive quality requirements and the need for testing before the test can be launched.
– You can’t deliver something unfinished; it has to be something quality assured and validated so that it truly maintains the highest possible standard as it should, he said in a comment to SR.
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According to Adolfsson, extensive trials with large reference groups are required before a test with such significance for individuals can be considered finalized.
– If we look at what we said from the start, it takes three years to develop a test of this kind, and that is what we maintain.
When asked what happens if the university does not deliver on time, he replied:
– I think it will be difficult to meet the timetable based on what we ourselves have said.
Forssell: “The Time Is Sufficient”
This message is not well received in the government. Migration Minister Johan Forssell emphasizes that the tests are an important part of integration policy and that the timeframe is reasonable.
– I understand that it’s not easy, but it’s very important for integration that we get these tests in place.
Forssell argues that the university’s objections are hard to understand, especially as it is not about advanced academic knowledge but basic language skills.
– You don’t need Swedish at an academic level; it’s about basic knowledge of Swedish to be able to manage in society. And I am convinced that the time provided is indeed sufficient.
Open Dispute Over Responsibility
Hans Adolfsson responds sarcastically to Forssell’s criticism and suggests that the minister himself could take over and design the test.
– If Johan Forssell thinks it would be faster to develop such a test, then he should prepare it. I have no problem with that. Then he can take over and do it. But we have a high standard in what we produce and I do not intend to lower it.
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At the same time, the announcement raises questions as to why an assignment that has already been given extended time now again risks being delayed. The government has made citizenship tests a key component in the stricter requirements for Swedish citizenship, and each further delay means the reform is postponed into the future.