British widow faces deportation from Sweden after 22 years
A 78-year-old British widow living in Sweden for 22 years faces deportation due to a missed post-Brexit residency application deadline. Despite her long-term ties to the country, Swedish authorities have rejected her appeals, leaving her in a precarious legal situation.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing bureaucratic challenges and human impact of post-Brexit immigration policies for long-term residents in the EU.
Image source, Felix Andler Image caption, Joyce Thomas, 78, is facing deportation away from her son, grandchildren and husband's grave
A 78-year-old British widow has told the BBC she is struggling to eat or sleep as the Swedish government threatens to deport her over a late post-Brexit residence application.
Joyce Thomas, a retired nurse, moved to Sweden 22 years ago with her husband, who passed away from cancer three years ago.
This came after they were informed by the Swedish authorities that they should have made a formal application to stay in the country after Brexit.
Thomas has since had numerous applications and appeals rejected, and Tuesday marks the latest deadline for her to leave voluntarily.
"This is absolute hell," she said from her home in Sweden.
"I can't sleep, I can't eat. You get up in the morning, you don't know what's going to happen."
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