British man with dementia ordered to leave Sweden in 10 days after court prioritizes immigration control over humanitarian care
A 74-year-old British citizen, Horace Mason, known as George, faces deportation from Sweden just ten days after losing his post-Brexit migration appeal. Mason, who has lived in Sweden for 25 years and suffers from advanced vascular dementia requiring round-the-clock care, was told to leave despite his severe health conditions and immobility.
The decision, based on a July ruling by the Swedish migration court of appeals, highlights the country’s strict immigration regulations that have overridden the humanitarian needs of vulnerable residents. Mason’s family, deeply concerned, described the situation as inhumane and are scrambling to prevent his deportation to the UK where adequate care arrangements are not guaranteed.
This case follows a distressing pattern of British nationals in Sweden facing deportation due to administrative challenges stemming from Brexit, triggering heated debates over immigration policies and human rights. The Guardian first reported the case, shedding light on these growing issues.
Struggle against Swedish immigration system amid health and family crises
Horace Mason moved from Hinckley, Leicestershire, to Sweden around 2000 to be closer to his son and grandchildren. Over time, his health deteriorated significantly due to vascular dementia and vascular parkinsonism. He now lives in full-time residential dementia care, immobile and dependent on constant supervision.
His son Carl revealed how Mason became confused and scared after learning about the deportation order, with questions about the police coming to take him and fears of imprisonment. Carl described the situation as “inhumane” and expressed disbelief at the court’s decision that deporting a vulnerable elderly man could be justified.
Legal battles highlighting gaps in protection for vulnerable migrants post-Brexit
Mason’s family first applied for a residence permit in December 2021, but the Swedish Migration Agency rejected it in November 2023, citing a failure to provide sufficient documentation under immigration rules. Subsequent appeals, including one based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and new medical evidence proving his need for continuous care, were also denied.
The court’s July ruling justified deportation by stating that dementia care exists in the UK and discounted the reality that Mason’s daughter in the UK could not provide the necessary support, unlike his son in Sweden. The court concluded that the state’s interest in controlling immigration outweighed Mason’s right to remain.
Wider impact on British nationals in Sweden amid restrictive policies
This ruling echoes the plight of others like Joyce Thomas and Kathleen Poole, British elderly residents who faced deportation or threats thereof following Brexit-related rule changes. Grassroots campaigners, such as David Milstead from British in Sweden, have criticized Sweden’s stringent approach, noting that 27.5% of British residency applications were denied by the end of 2024, compared to the EU average of 3% to 4%.
Milstead described Swedish authorities as being “out of step” with the EU and ignoring protections under the withdrawal agreement, resulting in lives being devastated by the hardline stance. Carl Mason has launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund further appeals to the European Court of Human Rights, hoping to challenge what he calls a cruel and disproportionate decision.
The UK government stated they are aware of the case and are supporting Mason and his family while liaising with Swedish authorities.
