In brief
Joyce Thomas, a retired nurse who has lived in Sweden since 2004, faces deportation as she has not formalised her residency status after the UK left the EU. The Swedish migration authorities have set a deadline for her to voluntarily leave, while her lawyers appeal the decision. Thomas fears she will lose her son, grandchildren and even her husband's grave in the next month. Swedish officials say they will review the rules and possibly ease the process for affected British citizens.
Joyce Thomas, a retired nurse who moved to Sweden with her husband 22 years ago, has told the BBC that she is struggling to eat or sleep as the Swedish government threatens to deport her for a late residence application.
After the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, British citizens lost automatic EU residence status. During the transitional period, they could apply for a residence permit under the Withdrawal Agreement, a system that ended on 31 December 2021.
Thomas was only informed of the need for an application when attempting to re‑enter Sweden in 2023. Despite numerous appeals, the Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) set a deadline of 8 September for her to leave voluntarily.
"I can't sleep, I can't eat. You get up in the morning and don't know what will happen," she said from her home, describing the daily anxiety caused by the looming threat of deportation.
Her lawyers are fighting the decree, but she remains uncertain about the outcome. She fears losing the support of her son, grandchildren, friends and even her husband's grave.
According to Eurostat, between 2021 and 2025, 2,490 UK nationals were ordered to leave Sweden—almost a third of those ordered to leave the 27 EU Member States during that period. Since Brexit, 458 British citizens have been deported or forcibly removed in Sweden.
Swedish Minister for Migration Johan Forssell told the BBC the current framework was introduced by a previous government and stated the government will “look closely at the situation and examine whether there are measures we can take to make the process easier for those affected.”
He added that “the rules should be applied generously” and that the UK is an important partner, hoping British citizens who live and work in Sweden can remain here. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office welcomed the Swedish authorities’ intention to review the issue.
If Thomas is deported, she will lose the life she has built with her family and friends in Sweden for over two decades.
