Sweden confirms 458 deportation decisions involving British citizens since Brexit
The Swedish Migration Agency says 458 rejected residence-status applications were accompanied by deportation decisions, prompting renewed criticism of the process.
Sweden’s Migration Agency has confirmed that 458 British citizens had deportation decisions linked to rejected applications for post-Brexit residence status, bringing renewed scrutiny to the country’s treatment of British residents.
The agency said a rejected application did not necessarily result in deportation. It also defended its handling of the cases, saying Swedish law had been applied and applicants had an opportunity to appeal.
Sweden recorded 14,233 post-Brexit residency applications by 2024, including eligible family members. Just under 4,000 applications were rejected, according to figures cited in Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office analysis. The analysis found Sweden’s refusal rate was considerably above the European Union average of 3% to 4%.
The precise scope of the 458 cases remains unclear. It is not established whether the figure includes people who left voluntarily, later secured other permits or remain in Sweden on temporary arrangements.
Deportations are continuing, with a British resident reportedly detained in Stockholm this week ahead of forced removal. Campaigners and opposition politicians have criticised the transparency of the data and called for greater flexibility, while the UK government says it continues to raise the issue with Swedish authorities.
Sweden’s migration minister, Johan Forssell, said the government had followed the Withdrawal Agreement but was examining whether further measures could improve the process. Late applications remain possible where applicants can show reasonable grounds for missing the deadline.
