Story perspectives

UK to Strip Deportation Protection for Serious Foreign Criminals

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the government will amend the 1971 Immigration Act to remove deportation protection for serious foreign criminals.
The amendment, attached to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, will let the Home Secretary disapply Section 7 for offenders such as Shabir Ahmed.
Pakistan has said it will not accept Ahmed and officials warned that visa restrictions could follow if the refusal persists.

History

Historical Context

Edward Heath’s 1971 Immigration Act introduced patriality/right of abode and replaced earlier Commonwealth Immigrants Acts of 1962 and 1968 that had begun restricting Commonwealth entry as former colonies gained independence. Section 7 of that Act still shields family-linked migrants from deportation, but Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood now seeks to strip that protection for convicted criminals such as Shabir Ahmed, raising diplomatic tension with Pakistan.

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Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the government will amend the 1971 Immigration Act to remove deportation protection for serious foreign criminals.
The amendment, attached to the Immigration and Asylum Bill, will let the Home Secretary disapply Section 7 for offenders such as Shabir Ahmed.
Pakistan has said it will not accept Ahmed and officials warned that visa restrictions could follow if the refusal persists.

1 / 2