Yes to an extended travel ban for children
Published:
The Committee on Health and Welfare has proposed that the Riksdag vote in favour of a more comprehensive travel ban for children and young people.
Under the current legislation, a travel ban shall be issued if there is a substantial risk that a person under 18 years of age may be taken abroad in order to enter into marriage or to be genitally mutilated. The Government’s proposed legislation will make it possible for decisions regarding travel bans also to be made if there is a substantial risk that a child may be taken abroad and the child’s health or development may be harmed during his or her time abroad as a result of circumstances that may result in care in accordance with the Care of Young Persons (Special Provisions) Act.
This may, for example, concern what are known as educational trips or conversion therapy, or it may concern children who wish to leave Sweden to join terrorist organisations and other criminal organisations.
The Government also proposes that data concerning children with a travel ban should be subject to secrecy at the Police Authority, as it may be a question of sensitive information regarding children’s personal relations.
According to the proposal, criminal liability for parental child abduction should also be extended to apply when a child under the age of 15 is abducted or withheld to prevent care being instituted in accordance with the Care of Young Persons (Special Provisions) Act.
It is proposed that the amendments will come into force on 1 June 2024.