Government-appointed committee in Sweden is considering a controversial proposal that would require public sector workers to report undocumented individuals to authorities. Referred to as the “snitch law” by critics, the proposal is part of a 2022 agreement among four right-wing parties, leading to the formation of a coalition government that includes parliamentary support from the far-right Sweden Democrats (SD).
Resistance from Rights Campaigners and Professional Associations
Since the SD, known for its anti-immigration stance, became Sweden’s second-largest party, efforts have intensified to turn this proposal into law. The committee is expected to present its findings by the end of November, which could lead to up to a million public sector workers, including doctors, teachers, and librarians, being obligated to report undocumented individuals they encounter in their professional roles.
Despite being in the early stages, the proposal has already sparked significant opposition from human rights advocates and professional groups. Michele LeVoy, of the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, condemned the proposal as “utterly inhumane,” warning that it could deter people from accessing essential services like healthcare and education out of fear of being reported.
Impact on Trust and Professional Ethics
Professional associations argue that the proposed law would undermine the trust they have worked to build with the communities they serve and exacerbate racism and stigmatization. The Swedish Medical Association has been vocal in its opposition, with its president, Sofia Rydgren Stale, stating, “I became a doctor to help people, not monitor and report them.” The association has emphasized that such reporting requirements would conflict with the ethical obligation to provide care without discrimination.
Teachers’ unions have also expressed deep concerns, with the Professional Ethics Council of two major Swedish teachers’ unions suggesting that the law could force educators into a position where civil disobedience might be the only ethical response. Librarians have similarly opposed the idea, with more than 90% indicating they would rather lose their jobs than comply with such a law.
Government’s Perspective and Ongoing Debate
Despite the widespread opposition, the Swedish government maintains that the proposal is intended to support legal migration by enabling more efficient deportations of individuals who have been denied asylum. Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Minister of Migration, argued that the law would help uphold government decisions and prevent the growth of a “shadow society” of undocumented individuals.
However, the government has acknowledged the potential conflicts with professional ethics, with the committee also examining whether certain professions should be exempt from the reporting requirement.
The ongoing debate has become a focal point of political and social discourse in Sweden, with many warning that the proposed law could have far-reaching consequences for trust, humanity, and democracy in the country.
