"Stricter Than Imprisonment": British Citizen Detained in Swedish Detention Facility, Subsequently Deported After Brexit
In Sweden, a 63-year-old British citizen named Davies found himself in a difficult situation after missing the post-Brexit residency application deadline. Davies, who had lived in Sweden for 16 years, had a house, a family home, two children, and a dog.
Davies' wife was battling cancer during the Covid pandemic, and tragically, the hospital refused to send help to their home. This unfortunate event caused Davies to miss the application deadline for post-Brexit residency, which was on December 31st, 2021.
Following the missed deadline, Swedish authorities made concrete moves to deport Davies once his daughter turned 18 years old. Davies lost his appeal against the decision to deny him residency, which he blames on his "incompetent" lawyer. He was detained in the Migration Agency's detention center in Åstorp for four days and three nights, where he was treated poorly with rules similar to a prison, poor food, and limited exercise.
Davies was forced to leave Sweden in 2024, joining Kenny Solomons, a former Bollywood actor, who also had to depart the country after failing to get post-Brexit residency. The Swedish government paid for business class tickets for Davies and two accompanying guards for his flight back to the UK.
Upon arrival in London, Davies was given his UK passport and smartphone back, and received free train tickets to Cardiff. Davies was required to sign in at his local police station in Helsingborg twice a week, but he was eventually arrested by Swedish police officers for "absconding" by failing to sign in on one of his required dates.
This incident serves as a reminder for British citizens living in Sweden and other EU countries. They must apply for a post-Brexit residence status to secure their rights, which typically involves registering under Swedish post-Brexit immigration rules for non-EU nationals. Failure to apply for and obtain the appropriate status can lead to potential consequences such as losing the right to stay, difficulties with employment, healthcare, and social benefits, or even possible removal from Sweden if found residing illegally.
Key rights and obligations include the right to residence, application for status, consequences of non-compliance, family reunification and rights, no longer under EU freedom of movement, and travel changes. For more information, consult the Swedish Migration Agency's website.
- The general-news story about Davies, a 63-year-old British citizen residing in Sweden for 16 years, highlights the necessity for Britons in Sweden and other EU countries to apply for post-Brexit residence status.
- Failing to acquire post-Brexit residency, as Davies did, could result in losing the right to stay, facing difficulties with employment, healthcare, and social benefits, or even possible removal from Sweden, as Davies' case demonstrates.
