Reader's story: 'Behind every delayed Swedish citizen application is a person with hopes and dreams'

I have been awaiting a decision on my Swedish citizenship for nearly six years.

During this time, I have built a life in Sweden – I married, relocated with my husband, and became a mother to three children. Every member of my family holds Swedish nationality except for me, which presents considerable challenges in our daily lives.

My husband and children can travel freely to many countries, but I have to go through the cumbersome and costly process of obtaining a visa, even for short family holidays.

There have been times when we had to delay booking trips while waiting for my visa to be approved. On other occasions, we had to cancel entirely because the process took too long or felt too uncertain. In fact, sometimes we don’t make any plans at all – because my family knows how stressful and unpredictable it is for me to get a visa.

It’s not just about holidays. It’s about missing out of precious family time, shared experiences, and the freedom to be spontaneous – something every other member of my household can enjoy. It breaks my heart when my children get excited about a trip, and I have to explain that “mamma might not be able to come”.

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If I could speak directly to the migration minister or the Migration Agency, I would ask them to see the real people behind citizenship applications – not just case numbers.

I’ve followed every rule, fulfilled every requirement, built a life here, raised a family here, learned the language, and invested in becoming part of this society.

I am the only one in my family still waiting, and that wait has come with emotional stress, practical difficulties, and a constant sense of exclusion.

What makes the situation even more difficult is the lack of transparency and fairness.

When I asked about the status of my application, I was told it has “low priority” because court-approved appeals are given higher priority. However, I've seen others who applied after me already receive approval.

That kind of treatment makes people feel invisible and forgotten.

Now, the uncertainty is even worse.

The Migration Agency in April largely suspended the processing of applications due to newly imposed security screenings. While I acknowledge the importance of maintaining a secure and thorough evaluation process, the delay is profoundly discouraging.

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Adding to these concerns are proposed legislative amendments that would impose stricter naturalisation criteria, including extending the residency requirement from five to eight years, introducing financial self-sufficiency obligations, and assessing adherence to so-called “Swedish values”.

There is growing apprehension that these provisions may be applied retroactively, affecting individuals like myself who have long met the existing requirements.

I’m afraid the rules might change again and be applied retroactively – something I believe would be both unjust and deeply damaging to trust in the system.

I have dedicated myself to integrating into Swedish society. I have learned the language, embraced the culture, and diligently worked to re-establish my professional career as a dentist.

I seek only the opportunity to be recognised as a full and equal member of the country in which I live, raise my family, and contribute meaningfully.

The protracted uncertainty surrounding my application has taken a profound emotional toll. I do not ask for preferential treatment – only for a process that is conducted with fairness, transparency, and respect.

I would urge you: please don’t forget about people like me.

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I want people to understand that applying for citizenship isn’t just about getting a passport – it’s about feeling secure, seen, and fully included in the country you call home.

For me, Sweden isn’t just where I live – it’s where I’ve given birth to my children, where I’m raising them, and where I’ve built my entire life.

But every day that I wait, I carry the weight of uncertainty. I feel like I’m constantly proving that I belong, even after all these years.

I also want to remind decision-makers that behind every delayed application is a person with hopes, dreams, and responsibilities.

This process affects our families, our mental health, and our ability to plan our futures.

We are doing our part – learning the language, integrating, contributing – and we just ask to be treated with the fairness and respect we deserve. The system needs to be more human. That’s all we’re asking for.

We are not just applicants. We are parents, professionals, neighbours, and community members who have chosen Sweden as our home. We want to belong, contribute, and feel that our efforts are valued. Treat us with fairness. Give us clarity.

And please, don’t keep moving the finish line after we’ve already run the race.

This opinion piece was written by The Local's reader Maria, who preferred not to include her full name. She is a dentist from Pakistan and lives in central Sweden with her husband and three children.