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British widow faces deportation from Sweden over post-Brexit residency rules

Joyce Thomas faces removal after 22 years in Sweden, BBC News reports.

The short version

  • A 78-year-old British widow, Joyce Thomas, faces deportation from Sweden after missing a post-Brexit residency filing deadline.[BBC News]
  • Thomas stated she and her late husband were unaware of the application requirement until she attempted to re-enter the country in 2023.[BBC News]
  • Swedish migration authorities set a voluntary departure deadline of 8 September after years of appeals.[BBC News]
  • Sweden's migration minister stated the government will evaluate potential steps to ease the process for people impacted by the rules.[BBC News]

Key facts

  • Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old British widow and retired nurse, faces deportation after living in Sweden for 22 years due to a late post-Brexit residence application.[BBC News]
  • Thomas said she and her husband were not aware they had to submit an application until she tried to re-enter Sweden in 2023.[BBC News]
  • Migrationsverket informed Thomas that her voluntary departure deadline was set for 8 September following years of appeals.[BBC News]
  • Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated the government will review whether steps can be taken to ease the process for those impacted by withdrawal agreement consequences.[BBC News]
  • Eurostat figures show 2,490 UK nationals were ordered to leave Sweden between 2021 and 2025.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain what specific measures the Swedish government will introduce to assist individuals affected by the post-Brexit residency regulations.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.