Sweden's strict residency permit rules spark debate

Sweden forces most non-EU residents to leave when applying for new permit types.

This rule applies even if you already live legally in Sweden.

It forces people to leave their families, homes, and jobs during the process.

Journalist Richard Orange highlighted this issue in a report for The Local.

Former Northvolt worker Brenda Ramström had to return to Brazil while pregnant.

The Migration Court rejected her appeal.

Having a Swedish husband was not considered a strong enough tie.

Other foreign workers and students face similar long journeys to change permit grounds.

Denmark and Finland allow legally resident foreigners to switch permit types internally.

Sweden recently eased rules for researchers and some young adults.

However, the strict leave-to-apply rule remains in place for most people.

In other news, 80 percent of people passed Sweden's first citizenship civics test.

Meanwhile, car maker Volvo announced plans to cut 2,000 jobs in Sweden.