- It was not a big fire.
It's something that can happen to anyone.
I never thought it would affect my application for citizenship so that I would be rejected, says Zahraa.
The Swedish Migration Agency's decision is based on the fact that Zahraa Hillawi is in the police's suspicion register and that she is suspected of general negligence due to the fire.
- When we receive an application, we look at the open registers that exist and also at the police's suspicion and criminal records.
And if you appear there with suspicion, there may be reasons to have your application for citizenship rejected, says Mats Rosenqvist who is section manager at the Swedish Migration Board.
According to the Swedish Migration Agency, Zahraa does not meet the requirement for an honest lifestyle.
The picture is a collage.
Photo: SVT
"Unfair decision"
- I am very sorry and think it is an unfair decision.
I'm not a criminal.
It was a small fire that I caused completely unknowingly, says Zahraa Hillawi.
Zahraa has an ongoing investigation with the police and this prevents her from becoming a Swedish citizen, but if the case is closed, the Swedish Migration Board can look at her application again.
- If the police close the case, the applicant has the opportunity to request a reconsideration with the Swedish Migration Board, says Mats Rosenqvist.