Key facts
- Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old British widow, faces deportation from Sweden.
- She has lived in Sweden for 22 years.
- Her application to stay under the post-Brexit withdrawal agreement was rejected.
- The deadline for her voluntary departure is September 8.
- Swedish migration minister Johan Forssell indicated the government is reviewing measures to assist those affected by the withdrawal agreement's consequences.
A 78-year-old British widow, Joyce Thomas, is facing deportation from Sweden after living there for 22 years, due to a late post-Brexit residence application. Thomas, a retired nurse, moved to Sweden with her husband, who died three years ago. She was informed by Swedish authorities that she should have made a formal application to stay after the UK left the EU. Despite numerous rejected applications and appeals, her voluntary departure deadline is set for September 8. Thomas expressed distress over the situation, highlighting her inability to sleep or eat and the emotional toll of potentially leaving her son, grandchildren, friends, and her husband's grave. Swedish Minister for Migration Johan Forssell stated that the government is reviewing the framework implemented by the previous administration and examining measures to ease the process for those affected by the withdrawal agreement's consequences, emphasizing a desire for British citizens to remain in Sweden. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office welcomed the Swedish authorities' statement and offered support.