Swedish migration minister says agency complied with Brexit agreement amid deportation concerns
Migration Minister Johan Forssell affirmed that Sweden has met its obligations under the UK Withdrawal Agreement, despite criticism over recent deportations of elderly British residents.
Responding to a parliamentary question about the planned removal of two senior British nationals, Johan Forssell explained that the Migration Agency conducted an analysis and concluded that Sweden has fulfilled its commitments under the UK Withdrawal Agreement, a judgment shared by the European Commission. He acknowledged media reports of cases like Joyce Thomas, a 78-year-old former nurse, and Horace "George" Mason, a 74-year-old dementia patient, but argued these do not indicate a breach of the treaty.
The agency, according to Forssell, has informed authorities, requested missing information from applicants, accepted late submissions when justified, and ensured the right to legal representation and appeal. He added that those denied residency can seek permits on other grounds, such as family ties, and that the government will keep safeguarding the agreement’s implementation while exploring further facilitation measures. Critics, including activist David Milstead, argue Sweden’s approach is an outlier that may need EU-level review.
