Sweden delays ID checks on trains & buses after criticism
Criticism from politicians and the business community, especially in southern Sweden, has led the Swedish government to postpone planned ID checks on trains and buses.
Due to the increasing number of Ukrainian refugees, the Swedish government has found it necessary to re-establish control of buses, trains and passenger ships entering its territory through a new interim law presented on 15 March.
“The Government considers that the situation may become so serious that it may be necessary to take immediate measures to maintain law and order and safeguard national security.y “, said Minister of Infrastructure Tomas Eneroth then.
Nevertheless, later on March 23, the Swedish government has decided to carry out identity checks for all passengers arriving in the country by sea.
The reasons behind such a decision have not been explained by Minister Eneroth, who only said that ID checks would have to wait without explaining how long this wait can take, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
– There are many fears and opinions about how it will affect commuter traffic across the Sound [Bridge]” he also pointed out.
The politician for the moderate party that leads the regional government in Skåne, Carl Johan Sonesson, has reacted through a post on Facebook and welcomes the decision as a victory.
If the train and bus ID checks were to be applied, carriers would need to present a passenger identity list, although there are restrictions on the extent to which this applies.
The Swedish government planned to enter into force from March 28 to September 1, 2022.
The reason for these measures is that in the event of a maritime accident or other incident, the Swedish government considers that it should be known how many passengers are on board and who they are for the purposes of the passenger lists.
“The large number of displaced persons now moving through Europe also poses further challenges in registering accurate information, which may also create better conditions for receiving displaced persons.” the statement on March 15 reads.
If there is reason to believe that the information provided by the carrier is incorrect, the competent authorities would carry out further checks in accordance with the regulations.