The United Kingdom has warned that Pakistan could face visa restrictions if it refuses to accept the deportation of convicted grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed, widely known as “Daddy.” The warning comes as the British government moves to amend immigration laws to facilitate his removal.
Shabir Ahmed moved to the United Kingdom from Pakistan at the age of 13 and has lived there for 62 years. Earlier this month, authorities released the 73-year-old from prison after he completed his sentence.
Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to amend provisions of the Immigration Act 1971. The proposed changes aim to remove legal barriers that currently prevent Ahmed’s deportation despite his criminal conviction.
However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson said legislative changes alone would not guarantee Ahmed’s removal. The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan must also agree to receive the convicted offender before deportation can proceed.
Furthermore, the government said it is exploring every available option to ensure the deportation takes place. Officials described the case as a priority because of the seriousness of Ahmed’s crimes.
Victims’ Minister Catherine Atkinson said the UK could consider visa restrictions if cooperation is not achieved. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she noted that Britain had previously threatened visa penalties against Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to encourage them to accept deported migrants.
According to Atkinson, those countries agreed to cooperate within four months after the measures were proposed. Consequently, she suggested similar diplomatic pressure could be used if necessary.
Although the UK has not announced immediate visa restrictions on Pakistan, officials confirmed that the option remains under consideration if efforts to deport Ahmed fail.
Ahmed was a central figure in the Rochdale child sexual exploitation scandal. He was convicted for grooming and abusing vulnerable girls, and his possible deportation has become a high-profile political issue. The case has also intensified calls within the UK to remove foreign-born offenders after they complete their prison sentences.
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