UK warns Pakistan of visa restrictions if it refuses Rochdale gang leader Shabir Ahmed’s return

3 min readNew DelhiJul 14, 2026 02:35 AM IST

The UK government, since Ahmed’s release earlier this month, has been exploring ways to deport him to Islamabad. (AI-generated image)

Pakistan could face visa restrictions if it doesn’t take back convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, the UK government reportedly indicated on Monday.

Targeted legal amendments proposed by Home Secretary

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to chart out a proposal that will amend a 1971 law, which apparently prevents the removal of Ahmed, who was released from jail this month, The Independent reported.

Statutory immunity hurdles for historical Commonwealth arrivals

However, the report added that even if the law is amended by the UK parliament, Britain would not be able to deport the Rochdale gang leader unless Pakistan agrees to accept him.

Under the 1971 law, a Commonwealth citizen who arrived in the UK over 50 years ago is prohibited from removal.

Criminal record and recent release from prison

Ahmed was released on July 2 after serving 14 years in prison on charges of rape and sexual assaults against girls, including one 12-year-old.

The Rochdale gang leader was sentenced to prison for 19 years in 2012, reports stated.

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Diplomatic deadlock over citizenship renunciation claims

The UK government, since Ahmed’s release earlier this month, has been exploring ways to deport him to Islamabad. And Home Secretary Mahmood is looking for a way out to tweak the loophole in the Immigration Act that prevents the rape convict’s deportation.

The gang leader has already been deprived of his British citizenship, but Islamabad has reportedly argued that Ahmed is no longer its citizen as he renounced his Pakistani nationality before Britain revoked his British citizenship.

Cross-governmental strategy and future diplomatic levers

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson said changing the law to deport Ahmed was only the first step.

“The country of origin must agree to take these vile criminals back, and that’s why we’re working across government to explore every option in this case,” the spokesperson said, The Independent reported.

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When asked if it means that the UK would refuse to issue visas, the spokesperson responded saying, “I think we’ve been clear that all options remain on the table where countries don’t co-operate on the return of their nationals.”

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