World
British Widow Faces Deportation from Sweden After 21 Years Due to Brexit
A 78-year-old British widow challenges her deportation from Sweden, claiming she applied to stay but was told it was too late.
Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old British widow, is contesting her deportation from Sweden after living in the country for 21 years. Swedish authorities have informed her that her application to remain was submitted past the deadline set after Brexit.
According to reports, her situation stems from the stricter approach taken by Sweden regarding post-Brexit residency applications for British nationals. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has highlighted that around 2,500 British citizens have been ordered to leave Sweden under similar circumstances.
Campaigners have raised concerns about these deportations, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals who have integrated into Swedish society over many years. Thomas herself describes her current situation as an 'unbearable limbo.'
Initially, Thomas was given only a few weeks to leave Sweden, which has added to her distress. This short notice has prompted her to seek legal recourse against the deportation order.
The case has drawn attention not only due to Thomas's long residency but also because it echoes the experiences of many British citizens affected by changes in immigration rules post-Brexit. Campaigners argue for a review of such cases to provide leniency for those who have deep-rooted ties to their host countries.
The outcome of Thomas's legal challenge remains uncertain as she continues to fight against the decision to remove her from the country she has called home for over two decades.