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Labour MP Proposes Controversial Syrian Asylum Deportations

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP, plans to escalate deportations of asylum seekers to Syria as part of her immigration reforms.
The plan cites Denmark’s strict asylum policies, which have significantly reduced asylum claims.
Experts warn that ramping up removals could worsen the asylum backlog, which has doubled to more than 90,000 people awaiting appeals.
Critics say Syria remains unsafe and urge granting temporary leave to Syrian nationals instead of forced returns.

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Story summary

Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP, plans to escalate deportations of asylum seekers to Syria as part of her immigration reforms.
The plan cites Denmark’s strict asylum policies, which have significantly reduced asylum claims.
Experts warn that ramping up removals could worsen the asylum backlog, which has doubled to more than 90,000 people awaiting appeals.
Critics say Syria remains unsafe and urge granting temporary leave to Syrian nationals instead of forced returns.