Sweden examines Brexit residence process after elderly Britons face removal

Sweden's government is examining whether it can ease the Brexit residence process after cases involving elderly British citizens who have lived in the country for decades but face removal.

In a written answer dated 2 September, Migration Minister Johan Forssell said the government was examining whether further measures could facilitate the process. The statement does not pause removals, reopen decisions or create a new residence right.

Sweden uses a constitutive scheme under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, which required people covered by it to apply for a new status. European Commission data records 14,441 applications through 2024: 8,036 grants of pre-permanent status, 1,965 permanent-status grants and 3,918 refusals. The figures do not show how many refusals involved late applications or elderly residents.

The Migration Agency says late applications may be accepted when an applicant gives reasonable grounds. Being registered in Sweden or not knowing an application was required is not enough on its own.

Forssell said the agency believes Sweden has met its obligations and that the European Commission shares that assessment. The government has not identified what further measure it may take or given a timetable.

A second parliamentary question about the cases and Sweden's relationship with Britain is due to be answered on 8 September.

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