Conduct-based assessments and reporting obligations
Conduct-based assessments refer to the evaluation of a person’s lifestyle and behaviour when authorities make decisions about residence permits. The proposed changes would make it easier to deny or revoke such permits.
Reporting obligations would mean that public sector employees could be required to notify authorities if they encounter individuals without legal residence status.
The seminar will feature Andrea Spehar, Associate Professor in Political Science, and Andreas Asplén Lundstedt, Associate Professor in Public Administration.
– Although some form of conduct-based assessment has existed in Swedish legislation since the 1950s, the current proposals go significantly further, says Lundstedt.
He highlights in particular the link to “Swedish values”.
– The connection between residence permits and values is not clearly defined, which makes the proposals stand out in an international context.
A changing system
Andrea Spehar describes the development as a shift in how migration policy is structured.
– Previously, the system was based on protection first and integration second. Today, residence permits and citizenship are increasingly conditional, she says.
These conditions relate, among other things, to financial self-sufficiency, language skills and individual behaviour.
At the same time, another shift can be observed: from permanence to temporariness. A recent government commission has proposed revoking permanent residence permits previously granted on asylum-related grounds. In practice, this would mean that “permanent” becomes closer to “until further notice”.
The proposal has been criticised for potentially destabilising the legal status of non-citizens and for signalling a shift towards greater state control at the expense of individual rights.
There is broad political support for a more restrictive migration policy. At the same time, differences between political parties remain.
– There is consensus on reducing numbers, but differences in how this should be done. This is particularly evident when policies involve assessing individuals’ behaviour and the role of the welfare system, says Spehar.
Questions of trust and legal certainty
The proposals have sparked debate about professional ethics, legal certainty and trust in public institutions.
– Research shows that newly arrived migrants’ first encounters with authorities influence their trust in the state and their willingness to participate in society, says Spehar.
She notes that unclear criteria can create uncertainty.
– It is difficult to know in advance what may affect a decision. This can create concern, particularly for people in vulnerable situations.
Andreas Asplén Lundstedt also points to practical implications.
– Previous expansions of conduct-based assessments have led to more administration and longer processing times, rather than more deportations, he says.
He adds that unclear criteria may affect decision-making.
– When workloads are high and the rules are unclear, there is a risk that applications are rejected regardless of individual circumstances.
Open seminar
During the seminar on 7 May, the researchers will explore these issues in more depth and invite discussion. Ursula Berge will also participate. She is Head of Public Affairs at Akademikerförbundet SSR and is responsible for the union’s work on migration and labour market issues.
The seminar will take place at Gothenburg City Library from 18:00 to 19:30 and is open to all.
Read more about the seminar and the full programme:
https://www.gu.se/global-migration
About the Centre on Global Migration
The Centre on Global Migration (CGM) is an interdisciplinary platform at the University of Gothenburg that promotes research, education and collaboration on migration and integration.
Text: Maartje van Zanten and Alice Johansson
