The Swedish government is contemplating the reintroduction of identity checks for travellers entering the country by bus, train, or passenger ship. The proposed legislation aims to provide the government with the authority to implement measures swiftly in response to situations demanding enhanced public order and security.
The law would empower the government to conduct identity checks if deemed necessary, rather than implementing the measure continuously. The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, emphasized the importance of equipping the government with the tools needed to ensure order and security in the country.
If the proposed law is approved, the government will have the right to prohibit the transportation of individuals without valid ID documents by bus, train, or passenger ship to Sweden for a limited period. This measure could be enforced if a migration-related situation poses a serious threat to public order or internal security.
The law may be implemented for a maximum of six months at a time, with the possibility of extensions in six-month increments if the situation warrants. The proposed legislation also allows the imposition of penalty fees ranging from SEK 30,000 to SEK 250,000 for violations of the ID check requirement.
This move follows the temporary law introduced during the 2015 migration crisis, which allowed for the implementation of ID checks but expired in 2018. The current proposal is intended to be permanent and is expected to come into force on March 1, 2024.
