Dmitriy and Elena arrived in Sweden from Uzbekistan in 2004, and their son Alexander was born two years later, according to reports. Between 2006 and 2020, the family's applications for residence permits were repeatedly rejected because they were not considered to have sufficient protection grounds, reports indicate. According to Migration Agency documents, the parents largely stayed illegally in Sweden.
Elena and Dmitriy have consistently said they fear the regime in their home country and therefore did not leave Sweden despite deportation orders, according to reports. In 2021, the parents received temporary residence permits due to the right to family life, while Alexander received permanent residence, reports say. However, in 2025, the deportation decision for the parents was made, and it became legally binding in February, according to reports.
I don't have the strength to think about myself because I'm thinking about my wife.
The reason for the deportation is that Alexander is an adult, has moved out with his girlfriend, and is self-sufficient, so he is no longer considered part of the parents' nuclear family under the law, reports indicate. Alexander recently became a Swedish citizen, according to reports. Multiple reports state that Elena is being forcibly treated in psychiatry in another city and could not be deported due to her health condition.
Dmitriy is detained in the Märsta detention center, according to reports. The deportation of the Sundsvall couple has attracted attention from national media and local figures including the bishop, municipal councilor, and a petition, reports say. Elena trained as a chef and got a job, while Dmitriy works as a painter and bus mechanic, according to reports.
We are like any Swedish family really. At Christmas we celebrate with a Christmas tree and presents. At Midsummer, dad stands grilling without a shirt and gives food to the neighbors.
A reformulation in migration law is behind many deportations, reports indicate. It remains unclear what specific threats Dmitriy and Elena faced in Uzbekistan, what Elena's current medical condition is, and whether they will be deported to Uzbekistan or another country. Legal options for the family to challenge the deportation are also uncertain.
How can they raise a person to become Swedish, but then suddenly they are not allowed to stay here themselves?