Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old British widow, faces deportation from Sweden after failing to make a timely formal application for residency following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. Thomas, who moved to Sweden 22 years ago with her late husband and son, was alerted to the issue several years after Brexit and has since had multiple applications and appeals rejected.
Residency Application Deadline
The UK's departure from the EU on January 31, 2020, meant that British citizens could no longer automatically reside in European countries. Residents in Sweden had a 12-month window following Brexit to apply for settled status. Thomas stated that she and her husband, who died three years ago, were unaware of this application requirement. The issue came to light in 2023 when she encountered difficulties re-entering Sweden due to a lack of residence documentation.
Legal Appeals and Deportation Order
The Migrationsverket, Sweden's migration agency, informed Thomas that she must leave the country by September 8, 2026. She expressed her distress, stating, "I'm tired, I really am tired and I'm not young anymore." Thomas highlighted her deep ties to Sweden, including her son, grandchildren, and friends, questioning "Where is the empathy? I've lived here for more than 20 years - I've got friends, I've got family."
Despite support from over 20 individuals, including medical professionals, friends, and clergy, her appeals have been unsuccessful. Her legal representatives argued in court that deporting her solely for missing a deadline due to insufficient information was disproportionate and that Swedish authorities failed to adequately inform her of the application requirements and deadline. However, a court in Luleå upheld the decision, deeming her not "particularly vulnerable" and noting her UK pension and another son. Swedish authorities have indicated they will review measures to ease the process for those affected.
Potential Consequences
If Thomas does not leave voluntarily by the September 8 deadline, she could be denied re-entry into Sweden and potentially be placed on a watch list that would prevent her from traveling within the Schengen Area. Sweden has reportedly deported or forcibly removed 458 British citizens since Brexit. Recent cases include a 34-year-old Brit deported despite living in Sweden since childhood and marrying a Swedish national, and an elderly man with severe health conditions facing deportation after more than 20 years in the country.