British widow faces deportation from Sweden after 22 years

A 78-year-old British widow, Joyce Thomas, is facing the possibility of deportation from Sweden after 22 years. The Swedish government claims that Thomas failed to submit a formal residence application following the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Thomas, a retired nurse, moved to Sweden with her late husband, who passed away from cancer three years ago.

She has faced numerous rejected applications and appeals, with Tuesday marking the latest deadline for her to voluntarily leave the country. The Swedish migration minister stated that the government will examine measures to ease the process for those affected by the EU-UK withdrawal agreement. Thomas, who is now struggling to eat or sleep, expressed her distress, saying she feels like she is in "absolute hell" and has no empathy.

Her lawyers are fighting against her deportation, but she awaits the government's response. Eurostat data shows that 2,490 UK nationals were ordered to leave Sweden between 2021 and 2025, accounting for nearly a third of the 7,500 UK nationals ordered to leave the EU. The Swedish government has acknowledged the situation and is considering measures to support those affected.