Controversial “informant law” takes effect in Sweden

Sweden’s so-called “informant law” came into force on Monday, requiring six government agencies to report suspected undocumented migrants to police, the security service Säpo, or the Migration Agency.

The affected agencies are the Public Employment Service, the Social Insurance Agency, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, the Enforcement Authority, the Pensions Agency, and the Tax Agency.

Supporters say the measure aims to reduce the shadow society and help police locate people without legal residence. Initially, the governing Tidö parties proposed including more agencies, but exemptions were made following strong criticism from professional groups.