Albanian Prime Minister Challenges UK Home Secretary on Ethnic Stereotyping

Thu Nov 20 2025 05:30:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Edi Rama criticizes Shabana Mahmood's remarks about Albanian asylum seekers, calling them 'ethnic stereotyping' and emphasizing the contributions of Albanians to the UK economy.

In a recent address, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama accused UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of ethnic stereotyping after she highlighted the number of Albanian families living in taxpayer-funded accommodation following failed asylum claims. Rama labeled her comments as alarming and insisted that they misrepresent the status of Albanians in the UK, which has established successful partnerships on migration. Rama pointed out that the number of Albanian families involved is negligible compared to broader immigration issues facing the UK.

Albania's prime minister accused Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of ethnic stereotyping after she singled out Albanian families in a speech about abuses of the asylum system.

Edi Rama criticised Mahmood for telling MPs around 700 Albanian families were living in taxpayer-funded accommodation having failed their asylum claims as she announced major reforms on Monday.

Rama called the number a statistical drop in the ocean of post-Brexit Britain's challenges.

Official data show the UK has deported more than 13,000 people to Albania since a returns deal was signed in 2022. Rama called the deal one of Europe's most successful partnerships on illegal migration..

Mahmood's comments came as she announced major changes to the UK's out of control and unfair asylum system.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mahmood said: If we fail to deal with this crisis, we will draw more people down a path that starts with anger and ends in hatred.

The reforms will make refugee status temporary, extend the wait for permanent settlement from five years to 20, and allow the removal of families with children who have no right to remain.

As part of her speech, Mahmood told MPs we must remove those who have failed asylum claims, regardless of who they are.

Posting on social media, Rama said: How can a Labour Home Secretary so poorly echo the rhetoric of the populist far-right – and single out 700 Albanian families, a statistical drop in the ocean of post-Brexit Britain's challenges – precisely at a moment when the UK and Albania have built one of Europe's most successful partnerships on illegal migration?

Rama has repeatedly clashed with British politicians over their descriptions of Albanian nationals, highlighting concerns over public perception and the implications for community relations.