Health minister dismisses doctors’ concerns over new reporting law

Swedish Health Minister Elisabet Lann (KD) has dismissed concerns raised by doctors about a new law requiring six government agencies to share information with police about people without residence permits, calling the fears “unfounded and exaggerated.”

The so-called “informant law” does not directly apply to healthcare, but critics warn it could deter undocumented migrants from seeking medical care. Lann argued the risk of indirect reporting is minimal, noting that only limited data—such as a newborn’s sex and mother’s identity—is shared with the Swedish Tax Agency, one of the covered agencies.

“Based on that information, there’s no reason for the Tax Agency to suspect someone is here illegally. The vast majority are here legally,” she told SVT Nyheter.

Tax Agency staff are not required to investigate further, she added, though police could request data “if there’s cause.”

Christofer Lindholm, chair of the Swedish Medical Association’s ethics council, warned that fear of exposure could lead sick individuals to avoid healthcare, harming both personal health and public safety by increasing infection risks.

Lann acknowledged the risk but said regulating residency takes priority. “These are people who don’t have the right to be in the country. As soon as they engage with society, they risk exposure and deportation. This is a risk they’ve chosen by not following the rules,” she said.