The Swedish government has reiterated its stance on removing and deporting British citizens who submitted late applications for permission to stay after Brexit. Migration minister Johan Forssell defended the Swedish migration agency's actions on Wednesday, responding to an MP's question regarding the case of Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old British widow ordered to leave after 21 years in Sweden.
Forssell stated that the European Commission, which is tasked with ensuring EU member states correctly implement the withdrawal agreement, supports Sweden's approach. He said the migration board's assessment that Sweden has fulfilled its commitments is shared by the commission.
Controversy has arisen over removal orders issued to British citizens who were reportedly unaware that Sweden was one of 13 EU countries requiring formal applications to stay post-Brexit. Thomas has been told she must leave Sweden by Tuesday, 8 September, or face deportation and a potential ban from the Schengen area.
The UK Foreign Office has raised Sweden's approach to late applications multiple times within the specialised committee on citizens' rights. Forssell indicated that the government is investigating whether further measures can be taken to facilitate the process in the future, stating that the relationship with the UK is important to Sweden.