Swedish MP Raises Alarm Over Deportations of Elderly British Residents Post-Brexit

Thomas, a retired nurse, moved to Sweden 25 years ago to be near her children. Her husband died in 2023, and she filed a late residence application in 2023, missing the deadline of 31 December 2021. Mason, who suffers from dementia and Parkinson’s, also resides in Sweden under similar circumstances. Both were served removal orders giving them four weeks to depart, despite having lived in the country for decades and receiving no state benefits.

The Guardian

The UK Foreign Office has repeatedly raised concerns with the European Commission, saying Sweden’s approach to late applications is “considerably stricter” than that of other EU members and that individuals are unlikely to have reasonable grounds for late applications accepted. Migration Minister Forssell has been asked to explain what steps will be taken to halt the removals.

The Guardian

David Milstead, head of the campaign group Brits in Sweden, argues that Sweden’s migration policy has shifted sharply toward restriction, making remedial action under EU law harder to defend politically. He notes that among the group’s 9,000 members, the organization cannot verify any case where Sweden accepted a late-filed application, suggesting the safeguards are “untested.”

The Guardian

• “The United Kingdom has long been an important partner for Sweden in a wide range of areas. It is clear that the deportations now taking place are damaging bilateral relations between Sweden and the United Kingdom,” — Häkan Svenneling

The Guardian