To further improve safeguarding children and youth from potential damage while traveling abroad, the Swedish government is considering the introduction of a more expansive travel ban.

The proposed ban would be implemented when there is a clear risk of children being taken abroad for reasons like honor-related violence, oppression, educational travel, conversion attempts, or withholding from social authorities, according to a press release issued by the Swedish Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

In a similar vein, Paulina Brandberg, the deputy minister of labor markets, stressed that the plan to extend the travel ban’s application is an enhanced child safety policy.

If there is a significant possibility that a person under the age of eighteen will be brought abroad for marriage or a relationship like marriage, or if they are in danger of having their genitalia cut, then the current regulations require that a travel ban be issued.

According to the proposed revisions, if there is a chance that a child will be transported abroad or left Sweden and suffer harm to their development or health, the exit prohibition may be further extended. Abuse on a physical or psychic level, violence motivated by honor, unethical exploitation, inadequate care, or other unfavorable living circumstances are examples of this harm. The proposal also covers circumstances in which a young person engages in illegal conduct, substance misuse, or disruptive behavior in public.

The extension of criminal liability for arbitrariness with children to include acts where a child under 15 is abducted or held illegally is another feature of the legal council’s referral proposal. This is especially the case if the act is likely to obstruct the initiation of care in accordance with the LVU (Care of Young Persons Act).

Furthermore, because children’s personal circumstances are delicate, the government recommends that information held by the Police Authority about individuals with travel bans be kept confidential.

In order to guarantee that people are aware of and understand the legislation pertaining to exit prohibitions, the government also suggests designating an appropriate organization to produce and distribute educational materials about these regulations.

The proposed legal changes are expected to take effect in six months on June 1, 2024, which will be a significant step toward ensuring the safety of children and young people traveling abroad.