Eleven individuals linked to serious organized immigration-related crime have had their Swedish permanent residence permits revoked following a review by the police National Operations Department (Noa). These individuals are suspected of having directed or participated in serious criminal activities targeting Sweden from abroad, including drug smuggling, extortion, and contract killings.
The decisions were made by the Swedish Migration Agency after the police provided information about the individuals. According to the police, the purpose is to decrease the criminal networks’ ability to affect Sweden, while also limiting these individuals’ freedom of movement and access to Swedish systems.
“We want to reduce their impact in Sweden; this is one of our methods,” says Marcus Nilsson, head of the Border Police Unit at the National Operations Department, to SVT.
Review of 150 Network Criminals
In the first months of the year, Noa carried out a comprehensive review of about 150 migrants assessed to be high-priority actors within organized crime who are currently outside Sweden.
READ ALSO: Citizenship to be Revoked for Serious Crimes
Of the 15 people the police reported to the Swedish Migration Agency, eleven have now lost their permanent residence permits. The migrants are suspected of, among other things, serious financial crime, weapons smuggling, violent crimes, and extensive drug trafficking.
According to the police, the individuals are currently in Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Spain.
Loss of Rights in Sweden and the EU
When a permanent residence permit is revoked, the person loses the right to live and work in Sweden with no time limitation. This also means loss of access to Swedish welfare systems and the ability to start or run a business in the country. In addition, it becomes harder to travel within Europe.
“Without a permanent residence permit, it is also more difficult for them to enter Schengen; a visa is usually required. The review is part of reducing the capacity of these actors,” says Marcus Nilsson.
The police also emphasize that the decisions can have consequences for the individuals’ private lives and future opportunities to return to Sweden. Many of those whose residence permits have been revoked have relatives in Sweden, whom it will now be harder for them to visit.
“Now they can’t come back”
According to the police, several of the individuals have evaded Swedish authorities for a long period and chosen to stay in countries outside the EU. The fact that their residence permits are now being revoked is therefore seen as yet another way to limit their range of action.
“No, they are staying away because we are looking for them, and in that case there is no reason to have a permanent residence permit. Now they can’t even return after we stop looking for them,” says Marcus Nilsson.
READ ALSO: SD and the Government to Force Prosecutors to Deport Criminal Migrants
He emphasizes that the police’s work to try to have the individuals extradited or prosecuted continues. The aim remains to get them to Sweden and prosecute them for the crimes they have committed.
May Be Revoked After Extended Time Abroad
A permanent residence permit normally applies as long as a person is residing in Sweden. Anyone who permanently moves abroad or stays outside the country for extended periods may lose the permit. It can also be revoked in cases of serious crime according to the Aliens Act.
A permanent residence permit is also one of the requirements for later being able to apply for Swedish citizenship.