Sweden has refused almost 4,000 of the 14,200 post-Brexit residence applications from British nationals, according to figures. This represents a 27.5% refusal rate, which the UK Foreign Office states is three times higher than any other EU member state and significantly above the EU average of 3-4%.
Eurostat records indicate that 2,500 British nationals have been ordered to leave Sweden since 2021, accounting for approximately a third of the total across the EU. Concerns have been raised regarding cases such as Joyce Thomas, 78, a retired nurse told to leave after 21 years due to a late application, and Horace Mason, 74, who faces deportation after 25 years in Sweden following a court ruling.
The Brits in Sweden campaign group warned in 2020 that the application scheme could affect vulnerable individuals who missed the deadline. They also raised concerns with the UK government and European Commission about outreach and refusals. The Swedish government did not individually contact registered Britons about the new scheme, unlike Denmark and the Netherlands.
The problem is not limited to late applications, as some Britons were granted temporary national permits instead of withdrawal agreement status. As these permits expire, some individuals may not meet newer permanent-residence requirements or have the necessary family circumstances.