Sweden has faced mounting scrutiny over its handling of British nationals following the country’s departure from the European Union, with deportation figures significantly outpacing those of other European member states. Between 2020 and 2025, approximately 2,490 British citizens were deported from Sweden out of an estimated 14,000 residing there. This represents 33% of all British nationals deported across the EU during that period, substantially higher than France (6%), Spain (3%), Germany (2%), and Italy (less than 1%). Additional removal orders affecting 2,100 individuals have also been issued, though the ultimate disposition of these cases remains unclear.
The cases have drawn attention to vulnerable populations affected by the enforcement actions. Notable deportations include a 78-year-old widow who had resided in the country for 22 years, a 74-year-old with dementia after 25 years of residence, and individuals who arrived as children. These individuals generally failed to meet application deadlines established under the Brexit withdrawal agreement, though activists contend they have received treatment comparable to other foreign nationals despite protections theoretically afforded to British citizens who established residency prior to Brexit.
Swedish officials maintain that only 458 British nationals have been deported in cases strictly related to the withdrawal agreement, and assert that the country has not applied migration rules in an unusual manner compared to other EU members. However, observers suggest the actual numbers may be higher when accounting for individuals rejected under the withdrawal agreement route who subsequently applied through alternative pathways and received deportation orders.
The matter has become a political issue ahead of the general election, with opposition parties pledging legislative changes to reopen applications for affected British citizens, and the incumbent government indicating willingness to explore similar measures. Some observers have questioned whether Sweden’s broader political shift toward stricter migration policies has influenced how the withdrawal agreement is being applied. Activist groups have called for retroactive relief for those already deported or who departed voluntarily, rather than assistance limited to future applicants.
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