Dutch lawyer secures release of foreign engineers after Swedish raid

Twenty foreign engineers were released from Swedish custody on Friday night following an appeal filed by Dutch lawyer Bert Maes, who arranged their posting under the EU Posted Workers Directive. Maes asserted that the removal orders and entry bans were unlawful because the workers held valid Dutch residency permits and were within the 90-day Schengen limit. The October 9 raid, conducted with seven Swedish agencies, had alleged the men were without permission to reside or work in Sweden and faced deportation.

Maes criticized the Swedish authorities for either misunderstanding or disregarding European law and indicated he will pursue damages and legal fees from the state. He also said the engineers, earning about 6,000 euros per month, will return to complete the job regardless of Swedish opposition. Swedish police maintain the appeal can be challenged but claim the rules are being abused.