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George Mason, originally from Hinckley in Leicestershire, has been ordered by Swedish authorities to leave the country by 20 August despite living in Sweden for over two decades and requiring constant care. At 74 years old, Mason suffers from vascular dementia and vascular parkinsonism, conditions that have confined him to a specialized care home. His family was informed by the British Embassy on 7 August that if Mason does not depart Sweden by the specified date, he will face deportation.
The family’s appeal against this decision was denied. According to documents from the Migration Court of Appeal, while considering the state’s interest in enforcing immigration regulations versus Mason’s private life, expulsion was deemed “proportionate.” Michelle Torossian, Mason’s daughter, described the experience as “awful” and “traumatic,” expressing deep concerns about how enforced removal might impact her father’s wellbeing. She emphasized the vulnerability of her father and criticized the authorities for being “ruthless and harsh,” stressing that the family only wants Mason to be treated with dignity.
British citizens lost their right of residence in Sweden following the UK’s exit from the EU in January 2020. A transitional period allowed for residence applications under a withdrawal agreement that ended in December 2021. Due to Mason’s health, a legal trustee, known as a ‘god man,’ was appointed to manage his affairs. An application for permanent residency was made just before the withdrawal agreement expired, but was rejected as supporting documents were not provided. A second application in 2024, based on Mason’s connection to his son Carl, a Swedish resident, was also dismissed in 2025 on the grounds that there was no “special relationship of dependence.”
Following rejections from both the Migration Agency and the appeals court, including after a submission containing extensive medical evidence highlighting the risks of international travel for Mason, the family faced further disappointment. Authorities contended that Mason’s condition was not “life-threatening” and that suitable care was available in the UK. Despite this, medical reports warned that relocating Mason would significantly harm his physical and mental health, describing such a move as medically unjustifiable and life-threatening. Torossian condemned the Swedish Migration Agency’s stance as “heartless,” stressing that while care in the UK might be adequate, the journey itself could be fatal for her father. The family has since started a fundraiser to legally challenge the deportation order.
The daughter also shared personal memories of Mason, noting his previous work in Sweden’s building industry and his hobbies, including building remote control cars and playing the guitar. She mentioned that he is now unable to live independently but is content in his current care setting. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated they are supporting Mason and his family and are in communication with Swedish authorities regarding the matter
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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