Political Pressure Mounts to Halt Teenage Deportations in Sweden

The debate over teenage deportations in Sweden intensified as opposition parties and government officials clashed on the best path forward. At a recent press conference in parliament, Annika Hirvonen (Miljöpartiet) and Tony Haddou (Vänsterpartiet) called for an immediate halt to deportations of teenagers turning 18. They urged Socialdemokraterna (S) and Liberalerna (L) to support measures expanding family reunification rights up to age 21 and to reinstate humanitarian protections for vulnerable youths. Both Hirvonen and Haddou emphasized the urgency, with Hirvonen highlighting that "other parties' words must now be shown in action."

Meanwhile, Migration Minister Johan Forssell faces internal pressure to address the issue following media reports about young adults like 18-year-old Jomana Gad, who faces deportation after aging out of family protections. Forssell acknowledged the need for legislative reform to allow young adults to complete their education and suggested possible transitional solutions, including a two-year stay option for those applying for residence permits. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is also engaged in exploring solutions.

Socialdemokraterna leader Magdalena Andersson opposes the opposition's legislative initiative but supports pausing deportations until new laws are enacted, resulting in some internal party friction over the lack of full backing for the opposition’s proposals. Opposition parties including V, MP, and C continue to press for an immediate stop to deportations, labeling current laws as unjust. Some government supporters view S’s cautious stance as deferring responsibility to the government coalition.

This ongoing debate highlights the political complexities surrounding teenage deportations, with calls for urgent legislative action and evolving party positions shaping the discourse ahead of the social insurance committee meeting scheduled soon.