Sweden to Reject Afghanistan’s Extended Passports with Stamps or Stickers from October

Starting October 1, Sweden will no longer accept passports extended with stamps or stickers, affecting many migrants, including Afghans who renewed documents after their government’s collapse.

The Swedish Migration Agency has announced that starting October 1, 2025, passports extended with stamps or stickers will no longer be accepted for entry, residency, or services.

The agency explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries faced difficulties issuing new passports and temporarily extended validity through stamps or labels — a practice Sweden will now discontinue.

Many Afghans renewed their passports this way after Afghanistan’s government collapsed, and the new policy could complicate their ability to travel, work, or stay legally in Sweden.

From October 1, anyone holding an extended passport will no longer be able to apply for residence cards, study permits, work visas, family reunification, or even entry into the country.

The agency urged holders of extended passports to obtain new ones from their home country or relevant embassies and noted that older passports remain valid only until September 30, 2025.

Officials warned that cases could be delayed if applicants fail to provide a new passport after the deadline, leaving many in uncertainty.

Amnesty International Sweden condemned the move as “a violation of basic migrant rights,” urging the government to offer solutions, such as temporary travel documents or substitute passports.

Rights groups warn the policy could force many Afghans into undocumented status despite their legal residency, increasing vulnerability and risking loss of access to vital services.

Advocates are calling on Sweden to balance security and humanitarian considerations, stressing that Afghan migrants who fled conflict should not be punished for passport complications beyond their control.

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