UK Plans to Amend 1971 Immigration Act to Allow Deportation of Shabir Ahmed

The UK government will propose amendments to the 1971 Immigration Act on Monday to allow the deportation of Shabir Ahmed. Ahmed was released from prison on July 2 after serving 14 years of a 19-year sentence imposed following his 2012 conviction for rape and sexual offences against girls, some as young as 12. He has already been stripped of British citizenship.

The 1971 law blocks removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to detail steps to close that provision during debate on the Immigration and Asylum Bill in the Commons the same day.

Pakistan has demanded the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK before it will accept Ahmed, according to The Times.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said the government is exploring every option, including direct talks with Pakistani authorities, and that any removal requires cooperation from another country willing to accept the individual. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp called for suspension of overseas aid and new visas for Pakistani citizens until Pakistan accepts Ahmed and others convicted of crimes in the UK.

Former director of public prosecutions Max Hill said the UK state must ensure victims and their families are protected by law if deportation cannot proceed and that alternatives would need to be examined if Pakistan refuses to accept Ahmed.