Sweden refuses to back down as Britons face removal under Brexit rules

Sweden has defended its decision to remove British citizens who applied late for permission to remain in the country following Brexit, despite growing criticism over cases involving long-term residents.

Migration Minister Johan Forssell said on Wednesday that Sweden's migration agency had correctly implemented the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

“The migration board has followed up on the application of the withdrawal agreement and the assessment is that Sweden has fulfilled its commitments. This assessment is shared by the commission,” Forssell said, according to The Guardian.

The controversy includes the case of 78-year-old British widow Joyce Thomas, who has been ordered to leave Sweden after living there for 21 years.

Sweden was among 13 EU countries requiring British residents to formally apply for permission to remain after Brexit.

Forssell said the government was examining whether changes could make the process easier.

“The relationship with the UK is very important to Sweden and the government will continue to safeguard the correct implementation of the withdrawal agreement,” he said.

The UK Foreign Office has repeatedly raised concerns about Sweden's handling of late post-Brexit residency applications.