Sweden deports 458 Britons since Brexit in shocking residency crackdown

Since the UK's exit from the European Union, Sweden has deported or forcibly removed 458 British citizens, highlighting a growing residency crisis. This figure has drawn attention as it includes individuals who had previously established their lives in Sweden before Brexit and were unable to secure post-Brexit residency status. By the end of 2024, Sweden had received 14,233 applications for post-Brexit residency, with nearly 4,000 rejected.

While a refusal to residence status does not automatically mean deportation, the 458 figure refers to cases where rejection led to deportation. This deportation rate of 27.5% is notably higher than the EU average, which ranges from 3 to 4%. Campaigners argue that the 458 figure may not fully capture the extent of the disruption, as it does not include those who voluntarily left Sweden or those who obtained alternative forms of temporary residence.

The British citizens affected believed their established lives in Sweden were protected by the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. However, Sweden's application-based system requires individuals to apply for the relevant residence status, and late applications may be accepted only if there are "reasonable grounds" for missing the deadline.

The UK government has raised concerns about the strict interpretation of this provision by Sweden. Meanwhile, the European Commission is pressing Sweden for answers regarding the treatment of vulnerable British citizens, particularly elderly and seriously ill residents facing removal. The Swedish opposition Centre Party has pledged to reopen the application process for affected British citizens if they come into power.