Eight-month-old Emanuel, born in Sweden, faces deportation to Iran despite his parents holding work permits here. The decision has sparked strong reactions from politicians across the spectrum, who call it unreasonable and inhuman. The case stems from a law change that eliminated residence permits for children of track-switchers.
Emanuel was born in Sweden in May 2025, shortly after the government in April 2025 abolished the possibility for relatives of individuals who switched tracks from asylum to work permits to obtain residence permits. His parents, Masoumeh Ghorbani and Mehrad Alidoust, first came to Sweden on a student visa, then applied for asylum which was denied, and subsequently received work permits in 2022. Masoumeh works as a nurse aide at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm and is training to become a nurse, while Mehrad works at a food warehouse. Their permits are valid until October 2026, but Emanuel is not covered due to the law change.
The Migration Agency has decided on deportation for Emanuel to Iran, but the decision is appealed to the Migration Court. All deportations to Iran are currently halted due to the security situation in the country, and enforcement is not taking place at present. According to the agency's press chief Jesper Tengroth, the situation arises because the new law was introduced without transition rules, something the authority warned about in consultation responses. Tengroth notes that Emanuel does not meet the criteria for particularly compassionate reasons, as the parents lack protection grounds and can return to Iran without risk. He estimates that more families are in similar situations.
Political reactions have unanimously deemed the decision unreasonable. Migration Minister Johan Forssell says: “This sounds unreasonable. I think everyone thinks so.” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson agrees: “We do not deport small children separated from their parents.” Christian Democrats' Ebba Busch writes on X: “Every thinking person realizes that a baby cannot leave the country on its own.” Left Party's Nooshi Dadgostar calls it “inhuman and absurd” and demands immediate rule changes. Green Party's Daniel Helldén criticizes the government for cruel migration policy. Sweden Democrats' Ludvig Aspling admits the decision is absurd but believes it will not be enforced, and Jimmie Åkesson writes sarcastically that no government would deport an eight-month-old baby.
The family lives in Sundbyberg outside Stockholm and expresses concern. Masoumeh Ghorbani tells Swedish Radio: “We thought that since we have a family, we would live together.” Mehrad Alidoust mentions risks in Iran due to their political stance and church attendance. They have two older sons who love playing with Emanuel, who has just learned to crawl. Following media coverage, the family has received support from the public.
