Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, has criticized UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for allegedly engaging in “ethnic stereotyping” following her remarks about Albanian families in relation to the asylum system. In a recent speech, Mahmood stated that approximately 700 Albanian families were residing in taxpayer-funded accommodation after failing their asylum requests, which she referenced while outlining significant reforms to the UK’s asylum policies.
Rama responded to Mahmood’s comments by describing the figure of 700 as a “statistical drop in the ocean” of the challenges facing post-Brexit Britain. He emphasized that, since a repatriation agreement was established in 2022, the UK has sent back over 13,000 individuals to Albania, characterizing this partnership as one of Europe’s most effective strategies against illegal migration.
Mahmood’s proposals aim to overhaul the current asylum system, intending to make refugee status temporary and extend the duration for obtaining permanent residency from five years to 20. She also announced plans to create new legal routes to the UK while imposing annual limits on the number of arrivals. During her address to Parliament, she asserted the necessity of removing individuals who have not been granted asylum, including the mentioned Albanian families.
In a social media post, Rama questioned how Mahmood could express such views, especially at a time when the UK and Albania have developed a successful collaboration on migration issues. He argued that Albanians contribute positively to the UK economy and highlighted the low number of Albanian nationals receiving UK benefits compared to other communities. He reiterated that policymaking should avoid ethnic stereotyping, a sentiment he feels is vital for the UK’s integrity.
Rama has had prior conflicts with UK politicians over their treatment of Albanians, previously rebuffing proposals for UK “return hubs” for rejected asylum seekers in Albania and criticizing past accusations against Albanians.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cge5e1xpgzyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss