British widow faces deportation from Sweden after 22 years

What the report says

A 78-year-old British widow living in Sweden is facing removal after missing the deadline to apply for post-Brexit residence status, according to BBC World News. Joyce Thomas, a retired nurse who moved to Sweden more than two decades ago with her husband, says she only learned later that British citizens needed to secure formal residence rights after the UK left the EU. Her husband died three years ago, and she has said the prospect of being forced to leave her son, grandchildren, friends and her husband’s grave has left her distressed.

The BBC reports that Thomas has had several applications and appeals rejected, and that Swedish migration officials recently set a voluntary departure deadline of 8 September. Her lawyers are challenging the decision, but she is still waiting for the government’s response. Thomas described the situation as deeply stressful, saying it has affected her sleep and appetite. The case highlights how Brexit’s withdrawal arrangements continue to affect some long-term UK nationals living in EU countries.

Sweden’s migration minister, Johan Forssell, told the BBC the government would review whether any measures could make the process easier for those affected by the withdrawal agreement. He said the rules should be applied generously and that Sweden wants British citizens who live and work there to remain. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said it welcomed Sweden’s willingness to look at the issue and was ready to support discussions.