The Swedish parliament on Monday passed a law requiring certain public sector employees to report migrants without legal residence status to the police. The legislation, which aims to strengthen the country’s efforts to control irregular migration, mandates that workers at agencies such as the tax authority, employment offices, social insurance agencies, and correctional services notify authorities if they suspect someone lacks proper documentation. The measure excludes professionals in education, healthcare, and social work following criticism.
The vote was narrowly decided, with 174 in favor and 172 against, reflecting deep divisions within Swedish society on the issue. Supporters argue the law is necessary to ensure that migrants without authorization can be identified and deported more efficiently, aligning with broader European Union reforms aimed at expediting removals.
Critics contend that the new reporting obligations will foster an atmosphere of fear among migrants and undermine their access to essential services. Several experts have voiced concern that requiring certain public officials to act as informants could lead to racial profiling and discourage vulnerable populations from seeking care or assistance. For instance, Louise Bonneau, representing the Brussels-based Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), warned that the law may deter undocumented individuals from engaging with authorities, potentially harming public health and social outcomes.
A coalition of researchers from three Swedish universities previously highlighted ethical dilemmas arising from the policy, citing practical scenarios that expose inconsistencies and risks. They noted, for example, that while midwives are not obligated to report undocumented mothers, data regarding the newborn’s registration reaches the tax authority, which must report the family, potentially discouraging women from accessing maternity care.
These concerns echo experiences in other European countries. Germany introduced a similar reporting requirement for some public agencies in 2005, excluding schools and hospitals. Despite these exemptions, undocumented migrants reportedly avoid seeking medical treatment due to fears of exposure. To counter this, specialized healthcare services for migrants without legal status have emerged, mainly in metropolitan areas like Berlin.
In the United Kingdom, the government revised policies in 2018 that had allowed immigration authorities access to National Health Service patient records. The changes restricted access to data involving individuals suspected or convicted of crimes and subject to deportation, aiming to protect patient confidentiality and reduce barriers to care for migrants.
As Sweden implements the new reporting law, observers will monitor its effects on migrant communities and public institutions, as well as its alignment with human rights standards amid a shifting European migration landscape.