NI expat expelled for three weeks from Sweden due to new Brexit rules
A foreigner from Northern Ireland who has lived in Sweden for more than a decade is now “in limbo” after being temporarily expelled from the country due to Brexit-related paperwork.
t happened last month after Stuart Philpott (40) flew to Scotland to visit his mother and catch a Rangers game.
When the Lisburn native returned to Sweden, he was refused entry and had to fly back to Scotland because he did not have residence permit status after Brexit.
After a three-week wait, Philpott was eventually able to get the proper paperwork to allow him to return to his home in Stockholm, but is now awaiting a decision on whether to get permanent residency, which could be denied.
Under the new rules following the UK’s exit from the EU, those living outside the UK in other EU countries had to apply for a post-Brexit residence permit before 31 December 2021.
Mr Philpott, who has two children in Stockholm with his Swedish ex-partner and works as a chef, said he had “no idea” he had to apply for residency after Brexit until his trip to Scotland.
He said: “I haven’t left Sweden since before the pandemic and went to Scotland last month to visit my mum, who lives there, for a few days as it was both our birthdays.
“I went to a Rangers match and when I got to the airport in Sweden I was told that I wasn’t allowed in and that I had to go back to Scotland. I had no idea about these new Brexit rules.
“I have lived and worked in Sweden for 12 years and have two children who live here.
“The immigration police actually escorted me away, which was a bit much, and I had to fly back.
“I asked the immigration people at the airport in Sweden if I would have to pay for the flight back to Scotland, and they said they would but I would have to wait two days at the airport, so I ended up paying for a flight myself. “
He added that he contacted the Swedish authorities regarding the problem and that he would also start a new job.
“I was eventually able to get the paperwork back, but it’s only temporary and I’m living in limbo as I await a decision on permanent residency, which can be denied. If that happens, I don’t know what to do,” Philpott said.
“I didn’t know the whole residency situation changed after Brexit. I doubt I’m the only one in this situation, it’s a bit of a mess.
According to the Migration Agency (SWA), if someone did not apply for a post-Brexit residence permit before 31 December 2021, their right to stay in the country ended on that date.
“In some cases, SWA may accept an application for a residence permit that has been received after this date. This assumes that there are reasonable reasons why you did not apply in time. A review will be done on a case-by-case basis,” it says.
“Some family members can apply afterwards. For them, it is important that their application is received within three months of their arrival in Sweden.
“People with a permanent residence permit, however, have the right to continue staying in Sweden as usual even after this date.
“People who have temporary residence permits in Sweden, on the other hand, may need to apply for a work permit in order to have the opportunity to work in Sweden even after the application period expires.”