Party wants knowledgeable new Swedes

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Immigrants arriving in Sweden should sign contracts certifying they are familiar with the country's laws and customs, a political party contends.

A Moderate Party working committee developed the proposed requirement, the news agency TT reported Sunday. Immigrants who refuse to sign would not be eligible for government benefits.

"It is important that when people from different cultures congregate in the same country, that we are very clear over how things are done in Sweden," the party secretary, Per Schlingmann, told Radio Ekot. "The purpose is ensure that we pass on core Swedish values about equality and so on."

The party is still working on the details of who would be required to sign. Exceptions would be likely for people moving to Sweden from other members of the European Union and for those seeking political asylum.

Another proposal would deny benefits to new immigrants to encourage them to move to places where jobs are available.