Sweden will introduce ID checks on buses, rain and passenger ships due to influx of Ukrainian refugees
As a result of the growing number of refugees coming from Ukraine, the Swedish government has seen it necessary to re-establish identity checks on buses, trains and passenger ships for entry into its territory through a new temporary law.
If approved, the temporary law would allow the government to introduce identity checks for travel by bus, train or passenger ship to Sweden from abroad in order to combat law enforcement and national security, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
Minister of Infrastructure Tomas Eneroth said in a press release on March 15 that the government must be prepared with the necessary funds to take in people who come to Sweden continuously.
“The government believes that the situation may become so serious that it may be necessary to take immediate action to maintain law and order and safeguard national security.” the press release also reads.
According to the government, the law is proposed to apply for a period of three years from the entry into force. In the same way, the government can adopt a guideline on identity verification with a validity period of no more than six months.
As early as 2015, Sweden had adopted the same law to carry out identity checks at the internal borders during the refugee crisis. Nevertheless, the law was temporary and is no longer applicable.
Therefore, the Ministry of Infrastructure will propose a new transitional law with relevant provisions.
“The government understands that the reintroduction of ID checks affects the individual traveler and commuter. Therefore, these controls may not be used to a greater extent or for longer than necessary. ” Minister Eneroth pointed out.
In order to offer the help they need, the EU has decided to activate the temporary protection directive that makes it possible for Ukrainian refugees to take temporary protection in the EU countries, including here in Sweden.
In response to the current situation, the Temporary Protection Directive provides protection and immediate rights, reduces the pressure on national asylum systems and increases solidarity and the division of responsibilities.
Data show that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, more than three million people have fled the war zone.
According to the Swedish Migration Agency, the number of Ukrainian citizens who applied for protection from 24 February to 10 March was almost 5,290. On 14 March, the agency registered about 1,049 people who came from Ukraine.
The Swedish Migration Agency has also estimated that 27,000 people will come to Sweden in March-June, while the highest figure is 212,000.