Granted residence permit can be revoked if entry is delayed
Omar Idelbi reunited with his father in Sweden after an eleven-year wait. Although he had been granted a permanent residence permit, the permit was revoked once he arrived. The Swedish Migration Agency states that the law requires an intention to settle in Sweden in the near future. Omar had difficulty obtaining a passport, as his father was in conflict with the regime in their home country. The deportation is now paused, and the case will be re-examined.
This is not just an isolated story. A granted residence permit is not a guarantee in itself. If a long time passes between the decision and entry, the Migration Agency may question whether the person truly intends to settle here, and the permit can then be revoked. This particularly affects families where passport issues, long embassy queues, or the security situation in the home country make it impossible to travel on time. These are obstacles that the individual rarely has control over, yet they can still cost them their permit.
During his years in Sweden, Omar has studied Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), obtained a driver's license, and started his own business. He works today as a mechanic and hopes to continue building his life here. Since his case is to be re-examined, the outcome is not yet decided.
Have you or a relative been granted a residence permit but are unable to enter the country on time? Notify the Migration Agency in writing as to why, and do so before the permit's validity expires rather than afterwards. Save evidence of the obstacle: receipts and decisions from the passport authority, booked or denied embassy appointments, and medical certificates. Also, mention if you already have family, housing, work, or studies in Sweden, as such circumstances are weighed into the assessment of where you are settled. If you have already received a decision on revocation, it is possible to appeal, and you should contact a legal representative as soon as possible.