Red pedestrian signal illuminated, indicating stop, near a brick building.

As of April 1, 2025, the possibility to change tracks will no longer be allowed in Sweden. Previously, people whose asylum applications were denied could still stay in Sweden and apply for a work permit through what’s known as a change of track (spårbyte). But now the Swedish Parliament has decided to remove the possibility of changing tracks. The new rules will also affect accompanying family members of those who were granted residence permits through a change of track.

To be granted a residence permit in Sweden, you normally need to apply and be approved before entering the country. This makes a change of track an exception to the general rule, as they’ve allowed people to apply for a work permit while already living in Sweden. But starting April 1, 2025, that will no longer be possible.

Who will the new rules regarding change of track affect?

The new rules will affect anyone who:

• have recently been denied asylum and have applied for a work permit since then.
• already has a work permit through a change of track and who want to extend it. You can continue working in Sweden for as long as your current permit is valid, but you won’t be able to apply for a renewal. If you don’t have any other grounds to stay in Sweden, you’ll have to leave the country once your current permit expires.
• is in Sweden as an accompanying family member of someone who received a work permit through a change of track. If the person who changed tracks doesn’t receive a work permit, you’ll no longer be able to get a residence permit by filing for it as an accompanying family member.

It’s important to know that the Swedish Migration Agency will process applications based on the new rules starting April 1, 2025. This means that it doesn’t matter when you submitted your application. If you receive a decision before April 1, 2025, the new rules won’t apply to you. But if you receive a decision after April 1, 2025, the new rules will apply—even if your application was submitted earlier.

Are there any exceptions?

If you received a work permit through a change of track but still have a valid deportation decision, the Migration Agency can in some cases assess whether there are any impediments to carrying out the deportation. What counts as an impediment can vary from case to case. But keep in mind that it’s uncommon for an impediment to result in a new residence permit. It requires new information in your case that makes deportation unreasonable.

If the deportation decision is no longer valid, there may be a possibility to apply for a residence permit on other grounds—for example, if you meet the requirements for permanent residence.

What can you do now?

Not sure if this change affects you? Then it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer who specializes in migration law. If you want to know if you can apply for a permit based on other grounds—such as studies, family ties, or protection—it’s important to act quickly and find out what applies in your specific situation.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Nadja Hatem,
Anuta Sjunghamn,
Aja Wadii,
Anastasia Martin

Portrait of positive multiracial parents in casual clothes carrying cute daughter with open hands while standing together against illuminated blurred background of room

On January 1, 2025, new rules in the Parental Code came into force in Sweden. The Parental Code, which has been undergoing reforms in recent years, regulates matters concerning custody, visitation, and residence for children. The legal framework has undergone significant changes over the years, and the latest amendment is found in Chapter 6, Section 2a, which aims to strengthen the protection of children against violence and other violations, as well as enhance security and stability for children placed in foster homes.

In practice, this latest change means that a child should be given greater protection and that this protection should take precedence over the child’s right to visitation with the other parent (the one the child does not live with) in situations where it is suspected that the child has been exposed to or is at risk of being exposed to violence. It is important to emphasize one thing in this context: namely, that it does not need to be proven that violence has occurred. A mere suspicion of this, regardless of whether it has been reported to the police or not, is in practice sufficient to invoke the protection. This is, at least, how it has played out in practice.

For active lawyers working with family-related cases and who often refer to Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding the child’s right to both parents, this provision will now be put to the test. Article 9 is also incorporated into the Parental Code but is often referred to as “the best interests of the child.” In custody disputes, allegations of violence are not uncommon—rather, they are so frequent that they appear in every other case. Therefore, it is understandable that lawyers representing accused parents will use this legal provision to support their arguments and to counteract unjustified restrictions.

If that turns out to be the case, the new provision will lead to a weakening of the fundamental protection in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which so often must be invoked in this type of case. Since the burden of proof in civil cases is often lower than in criminal cases, it is likely to become easier for a party seeking to justify continued restriction of visitation to invoke this provision.

In an attempt to address the issue of baseless accusations in custody disputes, the legislator has previously established that the primary focus of the court’s assessment should be on what is in the child’s best interests and that “cooperation,” which has often been decisive in assessing the child’s best interests, should not carry the same weight as before. To address the previous problem and social services’ excessive focus on “cooperation,” the requirement was lowered so that it is now sufficient if “there is cooperation that covers the child’s most basic needs.” Given that this relatively recent change softened the regulations, it is surprising that the latest amendment now tightens them.

Considering how many children are kept from a parent solely based on allegations of violence, questions naturally arise about how this provision should be interpreted in relation to Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It should also be noted that Swedish courts often adopt exceptionally broad interpretations of the concept of visitation, where video calls, phone calls, and in some cases even written correspondence have been approved as substitutes for physical visitation, even when there were good opportunities to allow the latter.

The question is how beneficial it really is to replace physical visitation with alternatives that eliminate the child’s right to alone time with the visiting parent. The alternatives rarely fulfill the child’s need for physical closeness.

For children at high risk of being exposed to further violence, the new provision obviously provides increased protection, but for the innocent parent who has been falsely accused of violence, the provision simultaneously creates an obstacle that was not there before. The question is whether it will now be easier for an accusing parent, with weak grounds for restricting visitation, to justify a restriction that otherwise would not have been upheld and thereby get away with visitation sabotage.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Samir Baraka

On October 1, 2024, new rules for Swedish citizenship came into effect. The changes aim to make the process fairer while considering both societal and international requirements. These are the key points and how they might affect you.

Requirement for young people to have lived a well-behaved life

One of the most significant changes in the new rules for Swedish citizenship is the requirement for individuals aged 15-21 to have lived a well-behaved life. The requirement is meant to increase safety and requires the applicant to have adhered to Swedish laws and societal norms. The Swedish government argues that this is necessary to prevent individuals with a criminal background from obtaining Swedish citizenship.

However, the new requirement has received some criticism. Some argue that it affects young people negatively since they can fall into a criminal path due to circumstances beyond their control. So is it really fair to impose such requirements on young people and will it facilitate integration into society?

The best interests of the child at the center of the new rules for Swedish citizenship

In the government’s proposal, the best interests of the child are crucial in decisions regarding citizenship for children. This aligns with Sweden’s international commitments, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It simply means that the rights of the child should always come first. How this will be implemented in practice remains to be seen, especially in decisions where the best interests of the child are weighed against, for example, national security.

New rules for Swedish citizenship for Nordic citizens

For Nordic citizens, the citizenship process will become simpler and more aligned with what applies in other Nordic countries. Previously, Nordic citizens have had a special status, and now the regulations are being modernized to better meet today’s needs. The goal is to make it easier for Nordic citizens to apply for Swedish citizenship, thus maintaining the special relationship between the Nordic countries.

A balance between legal certainty and societal responsibility

The new rules for Swedish citizenship may have significant implications for those submitting an application, especially if the applicant is young or a Nordic citizen. A balance between legal certainty and societal responsibility is the aim of the rules. The Swedish government wants citizenship to not just be a right, but also a responsibility. By imposing requirements for young people to not have commited crimes and considering the best interests of the child, their aim is to create a process that’s both fair and sets clear expectations for those seeking Swedish citizenship. However, if the effects of the changes aligns with that remains to be seen.

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When the social services in Sweden receive a report of concern for a child’s welfare, it can stir up many emotions and questions for the concerned parents. What does the report mean for you as a parent? How does it affect your child? And what’s the process when a report of concern has been submitted?

A report of concern for a child’s welfare can be submitted to the social services by anyone. It’s a way to officially express concern that a child isn’t doing well either phisically, mentally or emotionally. Anyone can file a report of concern—a neighbor, teacher, relative, or healthcare provider. The reason for the report can range from suspicion of substance abuse or domestic violence to the child appearing neglected or not receiving the care they need. Additionally, authorities and professionals who frequently come into contact with children in their work, such as school and healthcare staff, are required by law to report any suspicions that a child could be in danger.

The process when a report of concern for a child’s welfare is made

When a report of concern is made to social services, they’ll first assess whether an investigation is necessary. This assessment often happens quickly and may involve social services contacting the parents to get their perspective on the situation. They may also need to gather more information from sources such as the school, healthcare services, or others who have insight into the child’s daily life. The goal is to get a comprehensive picture of the child’s circumstances and determine if a more in-depth investigation is required.

If social services decide to initiate an investigation following a report of concern, their aim is to assess whether the child needs additional support or protection. During the investigation, social services will talk with both the child and the parents. Sometimes, they may also speak with other individuals who may have relevant information. The primary goal of Social Services is to ensure the best interests of the child. That’s why an investigation can lead to various forms of support, such as family support or other assistance to strengthen the family situation. In more serious cases, social services can also decide to place the child in another home. However, it’s important to remember that this is only an option when there aren’t other ways to protect the child.

What can you do as a parent?

As a parent, it’s natural to feel worried when someone files a report of concern for your child’s welfare. It can feel both threatening and overwhelming, especially if you don’t understand why someone made the report. That’s why it’s important to approach the situation with openness and cooperate with social services. By actively participating in the investigation and communicating openly with them, you make sure that the full picture of your child’s daily life is presented. It’s also important to remember that you also have the right to receive support and guidance throughout the process. If you feel uncertain or unfairly treated, it can be helpful to seek advice from a lawyer for support.

Do you need legal help?

In addition to cooperating with social services, there are also practical steps you can take to help manage the situation:

• Document all communication and meetings with social services carefully. This could be valuable if any ambiguities arise later in the process.
• Reflect on the concerns raised by the report. Is there anything in the family situation that you can improve or change to enhance your child’s well-being?
• Show that you’re willing to take advice and recommendations from social services. This can help resolve the situation in a positive way.

In the end, it’s important to remember that a report of concern for a child’s welfare, even though it may feel frightening, is a tool designed to protect the child and support the family. The goal is always to look out for the child’s best interests, not to criticize you as a parent. By cooperating with social services and seeking support, you can help find positive solutions for your entire family.

On September 12, 2024, the Swedish Migration Court of Appeal issued a ruling in an important case regarding children’s ability to acquire Swedish citizenship alongside a parent. Their decision is highly significant for parents who wish to apply for Swedish citizenship for children. The ruling clarifies that children don’t need permanent residency in order to obtain citizenship when the parent receives citizenship. Instead, the focus should be on the child’s connection to the parent and what’s in the child’s best interest. Meaning that when a parent becomes a Swedish citizen, their child can also be granted citizenship, even without permanent residency.

Background to the ruling in question

The ruling was given in a case involving a family with a three-year-old daughter. The mother applied for Swedish citizenship and simultaneously requested that her daughter also be granted citizenship. Her daughter was born in Sweden and has lived here with both parents, who share joint custody. Despite this, the mother was granted Swedish citizenship, while the Swedish Migration Agency denied the giving the little girl citizenship. The Migration Agency argued that the girl wasn’t entitled to citizenship because she didn’t have permanent residency. They claimed that permanent residency is a requirement when applying for citizenship, and the girl simply didn’t meet the criteria. And they didn’t see reason to make an exception.

The decision from the Migration Court of Appeal

The Migration Court of Appeal in Sweden ruled that the most important factor in a application for citizenship is child’s connection to the parent, not whether they have permanent residency. They believed the girl had a strong bond with her parents, which outweighed the requirement for permanent residency.

The Migration Court of Appeal also took into account the best interests of the child and how a decision to deny citizenship would affect her life situation and relationship with her parents. Since the girl was born in Sweden and lived here with her them, the court believed she should be granted Swedish citizenship despite not having permanent residency.

How the ruling affects other applications for Swedish citizenship for children

This ruling will change how citizenship applications are handled when parents want their children to be included in their process. Previously, it was strictly required that children had to have permanent residency to be granted citizenship. But with this ruling, more children will be able to receive citizenship alongside their parents. The child’s living situation and relationship with the applying parent will be much more important. And hopefully, it will become easier for children to gain Swedish citizenship when their parent is granted citizenship. Especially when it’s clear that the child has a strong connection to Sweden and the parent.

The child’s best interests is important when applying for Swedish Citizenship for Children

This ruling is now a guiding principle in applications for Swedish citizenship involving children. And it can govern children’s chances of acquiring Swedish citizenship. The best interests of the child should be a priority, and other requirements, such as permanent residency, won’t be decisive. This will make future decisions regarding citizenship more flexible and fair as the focus will be on how a decision impacts the child’s life and future.

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Custodial interference is when one parent deliberately prevents or complicates the child’s contact with the other parent. This can be particularly damaging to the child’s development and also to their relationship with both parents. Interfering with the custody agreement not only goes against the child’s right to a close and continuous relationship with both parents, but it can also have serious legal consequences in Sweden.

What is custodial interference?

Custodial interference occurs when one parent actively prevents or reduces the opportunities for the child to meet or have contact with the other parent. This can happen by refusing to allow the child to spend time with the other parent, even though there may be agreements, contracts, or even court rulings regarding visitation rights.

It can also involve speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child, which can make the child dislike or mistrust the other parent. In some cases, the parent can also interfere with visitation by making it difficult for the child to have regular contact with the other parent through phone or video calls.

Legal Consequences

In Sweden, custodial interference isn’t accepted. When it comes to custody and visitation matters, the child’s best interests are always the priority. The fundamental idea is that a child benefits most when they have contact with both parents. Of course, this only applies when the child isn’t at risk of harm from one of the parents. If a parent harms the child in any way, it’s assumed that the parent shouldn’t have the right to visitation.

This also means that if one parent systematically hinders visitation with the other parent, it can have serious legal consequences. The parent who engages in custodial interference risks losing custody of the child. In such cases, the other parent may be granted sole custody instead. The court can also first impose fines to force the parent who interferes with visitation to comply with the agreements.

What can you do if you’re a victim of custodial interference?

If you feel that the other parent is interfering with your custodial rights, there are several steps you can take:

Om du upplever att den andra föräldern saboterar umgänget med ditt barn finns det en del saker du kan göra:

• Document the incidents
  It’s important to keep detailed records of when and how the other parent engages in custodial interference. This documentation can be crucial in a legal context.
• Written agreements
  Se alltid till att ha skriftlig kommunikation med den andra föräldern. Det är mycket lättare att styrka ditt fall om du har era överenskommelser på skrift än om de sker muntligt. Always try to keep the communication with the other parent in written form. At the least when it comes to important information and agreements. It’s much easier to prove your case if you have everything in writing rather than verbally.
• Contact a lawyer
  A lawyer can help you understand your rights regarding custodial interference and advise you on how to proceed legally.
• Get help from the family court
  If you don’t have a court ruling regarding visitation, you can get help from your local family court when you feel you’re being subjected to custodial interference. The family court will then try to help you come to an agreement without having to go through a lengthy legal process.
• Apply for enforcement of visitation orders
  If there’s a court ruling regarding visitation that the other parent isn’t following, you can apply for the district court to enforce the ruling. The court can then step in and force the other parent to respect the visitation agreement.

If you believe that the other parent is interfering with your right to custody and visitation, it’s important to resolve the situation quickly. Both for the child’s sake, so they can continue to have contact with both parents, and for your own sake, so you don’t lose valuable time with your child. Custodial interference is a serious issue that can damage the child’s relationship with their parents, and it’s important to protect the child’s right to visitation and seek legal assistance if necessary.

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Abuse can manifest in many different ways, and it’s not always easy to identify. Often in relationships, it creeps in gradually. The perpetrator exposes the victim in small steps, leading to a shift in what the victim perceives as normal behavior. By the time it becomes apparent, it has often been going on for a long time.

Regardless of the form, it’s important to understand the different types of abuse a person can be subjected to and how to recognize the signs when someone is subjected. This knowledge allows you to better help if someone close to you is affected and can also help you avoid situations where you may become a victim of abuse.

Physical form

Physical abuse is the most obvious form and simply means that someone uses physical force to harm another person. It can involve hitting, kicking, pushing, or pulling hair, but also restraining someone or threatening to use physical violence.

When someone is subjected to physical abuse, common signs include:

• Unexplained bruises, injuries, or wounds that the victim may try to hide with clothing.
• The victim appears afraid to approach others, especially the perpetrator.
• Repeated absence from work, school, or social events, often with vague excuses.

Emotional form

Emotional abuse involves controlling, threatening, or manipulating another person through insults and humiliation. It’s a subtle form of abuse that can be difficult to detect but can have severe long-term effects on the victim’s self-esteem and mental health.

The effects of emotional abuse can make the victim:

• Appear constantly nervous or afraid, especially around a specific person.
• Have significantly lowered self-esteem and frequently speak negatively about themselves.
• Isolate themselves socially, as the perpetrator may limit the victim’s contact with friends and family.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse includes everything from unwanted physical contact to rape and harassment. The common factor is that it occurs without the victim’s consent and violates their bodily integrity.

People subjected to sexual abuse:

• May avoid talking about intimate relationships or show signs of discomfort when the topic comes up.
• Have unexplained injuries, especially in intimate areas.
• Exhibit sudden behavioral changes, particularly showing anxiety or fear.

Economic control

Economic abuse involves limiting or controlling another person’s access to money and financial resources. This can include preventing someone from working or having complete control over their bank accounts and assets. The perpetrator could also force the victim to take out loans they don’t want. What makes it a form of abuse is that the victim doesn’t consent to losing financial control but feels compelled to give it up. This makes the victim financially dependent on the perpetrator.

A person subjected to economic abuse:

• May seem to struggle with managing their finances, despite having an income.
• Has a perpetrator who controls all financial decisions and has full insight into the victim’s financial situation.
• Often asks to borrow money because they have no financial resources of their own.

Material abuse

When it comes to material abuse, the perpetrator will destroy or damage the victim’s property as a way to control and intimidate them. This can range from destroying personal belongings to deliberately damaging the victim’s home or car. The perpetrator can also force the victim to destroy their own possessions. Material abuse also includes violent acts committed against pets.

People subjected to material abuse:

• May have damaged or destroyed belongings that are of great value to them, both emotionally and financially.
• May be afraid to own valuable items or constantly worry about having their things destroyed.

Digital abuse

This form of abuse is becoming increasingly common in the digital age we live in. In these cases, the perpetrator will use digital channels, such as social media, text messages, or email, to harass or threaten the victim. Digital abuse can also include monitoring and controlling the victim’s digital activity.

People subjected to digital abuse may:

• Appear stressed or nervous after receiving messages or emails from the perpetrator.
• Have a perpetrator who demands access to the their passwords or monitors their social media accounts.
• Withdraw from social media or seem afraid that their private information will be shared.

Latent abuse

Latent abuse involves living in constant fear that violence will occur, even if the perpetrator isn’t currently exposing the victim to violent behavior. For example, the victim may have been subjected to violence previously and is now adjusting their behavior to avoid triggering the perpetrator.

A person subjected to latent abuse may:

• Appear to be constantly walking on eggshells, avoiding saying or doing anything that could provoke the perpetrator.
• Seem perpetually anxious or stressed without an apparent cause.
• Take responsibility for small mistakes or incidents to prevent a reaction from the perpetrator.

Why it’s important to recognize signs of abuse

All types of abuse can have serious consequences for the victim’s physical and mental health. By being aware of the signs, you can help yourself or someone close to you seek support in time. Abuse is never acceptable, and help is available. Organizations like Fempowerment offer support and advice to people who are or have been subjected.

Do you need legal help?