UK Government is considering visa restrictions against Pakistan. This could happen if Pakistan refuses to accept the return of convicted grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed.
The proposal forms part of the Government’s wider immigration strategy. In particular, it aims to remove foreign national offenders more effectively. It also seeks to ensure that countries cooperate with the return of their own citizens.
Government Considering Changes to Deportation Law
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce proposed changes to the Immigration Act 1971. If approved, the amendments would remove provisions that currently prevent Ahmed’s removal from the UK.
Ahmed led one of the Rochdale grooming gangs. In 2012, the court found him guilty of multiple rape and sexual offences against vulnerable girls, some as young as 12. It sentenced him to 19 years’ imprisonment. He was released from prison on 2 July 2026 after serving approximately 14 years.
Although Ahmed has already been deprived of his British citizenship, existing legislation prevents his deportation because he is a Commonwealth citizen who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago.
The proposed legislative changes are intended to remove that legal barrier and allow deportation proceedings to continue.
Deportation Still Depends on Pakistan’s Cooperation
Even if Parliament approves the proposed legislative amendments, deportation cannot proceed unless Pakistan agrees to receive Ahmed.
Under international practice, countries are generally expected to accept the return of their own nationals. However, reports indicate that Pakistan is currently unwilling to accept Ahmed’s return.
The Government has therefore confirmed that discussions are continuing across departments. Meanwhile, officials are considering further measures if cooperation is not forthcoming.
Visa Restrictions Remain Under Consideration
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed that all available options remain under consideration where countries fail to cooperate with the return of their nationals.
When asked whether this could include restrictions on visa applications, the spokesman indicated that such measures remain a possible course of action.
The Government has previously used visa sanctions as part of its wider immigration strategy to encourage cooperation on returns from overseas governments.
Previous Use of Visa Penalties
Victims’ Minister Catherine Atkinson stated that similar measures have previously produced positive results.
She referred to earlier Government action involving Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the time, the Government reportedly considered visa penalties unless those countries accepted the return of individuals with no lawful basis to remain in the UK.
According to the Government, those countries subsequently began cooperating with removal arrangements.
However, the Government has not confirmed whether it will impose similar restrictions on Pakistan. Nevertheless, it has not ruled out the option.
Political Response
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has argued that countries refusing to accept the return of their nationals should face restrictions on access to UK visas.
He suggested that this approach should apply consistently to any country that declines to cooperate with the return of foreign national offenders or individuals who no longer have permission to remain in the UK.
What Happens Next?
The Government’s proposed amendment to the Immigration Act 1971 is the immediate priority. If Parliament approves the changes, they could remove the legal obstacle preventing Ahmed’s deportation.
However, the practical outcome will still depend upon Pakistan’s willingness to issue the necessary travel documentation and accept his return.
Until both legal and diplomatic requirements are satisfied, Ahmed is unlikely to be removed from the UK.
Conclusion
This case highlights the practical challenges involved in deporting foreign nationals, even where citizenship has been removed and criminal convictions are serious.
It also demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in the UK’s immigration and removal system. While the Government is seeking to remove the remaining legal barriers, diplomatic engagement with Pakistan will remain a critical part of any future deportation process.
As this matter develops, further announcements are expected regarding both the proposed legislative changes and the Government’s wider approach to countries that refuse to cooperate with the return of their nationals.
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