British widow faces deportation from Sweden after late Brexit residence application

Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old retired nurse who has lived in Sweden for 22 years, says she is struggling to eat and sleep as Swedish authorities set a voluntary departure deadline after rejecting multiple residence applications and appeals concerning a post-Brexit residence rule.

Thomas and her late husband were told they should have submitted a formal application under the EU-UK withdrawal agreement, which allowed British citizens to apply for residence status until 31 December 2021. She says she only became aware of the requirement when attempting to re-enter Sweden in 2023.

The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) informed Thomas last month that her voluntary departure deadline was 8 September. Her lawyers have filed arguments against deportation and the government has yet to respond directly to her case.

Thomas said leaving would separate her from her son, grandchildren, friends and her husband’s grave. She described the situation as “absolute hell” and said she is exhausted and distressed at the prospect of removal.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The Swedish migration minister told the BBC the government will examine whether measures can be taken to ease the process for those affected by consequences of the withdrawal agreement. He noted the current framework was implemented by a previous government and said authorities are in dialogue to assess possible options.

Eurostat data cited that between 2021 and 2025, 2,490 UK nationals were ordered to leave Sweden, representing nearly a third of over 7,500 UK nationals ordered to leave EU member states in the same period. The Migrationsverket told the Guardian that 458 British citizens have been deported or forcibly removed since Brexit.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said it welcomed Sweden’s statement that it would look at the issue and that it is ready to support Swedish authorities.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Joyce Thomas, 78, has lived in Sweden for 22 years and faces a voluntary departure deadline set by Migrationsverket.
• Applications under the EU-UK withdrawal agreement closed on 31 December 2021; Thomas says she learned of the requirement when trying to re-enter Sweden in 2023.
• Eurostat reports 2,490 UK nationals were ordered to leave Sweden between 2021 and 2025; Migrationsverket reported 458 forced removals of British citizens since Brexit.