Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has launched a stinging attack on UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, accusing her of "ethnic stereotyping" and "indecent demagoguery" after her department singled out hundreds of Albanian families for deportation.
Diplomatic Row Escalates Over Migration Rhetoric
The diplomatic confrontation erupted after Home Office officials identified approximately 700 Albanian families with no legal right to remain in Britain for potential removal. In a strongly-worded social media post, the Albanian leader questioned how a Labour politician could "so poorly echo the rhetoric of the populist far-right."
Rama highlighted that the targeted families represent a "statistical drop in the ocean of post-Brexit Britain's challenges" and pointed to the successful partnership between the UK and Albania on illegal migration matters. The prime minister emphasised that Albanians are net contributors to the British economy, with relatively low benefit claims compared to other communities.
Growing Tensions Despite Cooperation
The criticism comes despite what Albanian government sources acknowledge as generally successful collaboration on immigration policies between the two nations. Under pressure to justify the new deportation escalation plans, Home Office officials had pointed to individuals who refused to return home after their asylum claims were rejected.
Immigration statistics reveal a more complex picture than the government's rhetoric might suggest. Albanian asylum claims remain low, and there has been a more than 90% drop in Albanian small-boat arrivals since 2022.
Andi Hoxhaj, an associate fellow from the Royal United Services Institute, noted that the UK government appears to be specifically targeting Albanians in its messaging. "Both the Albanian community and the Albanian government are deeply frustrated by the return of this narrative," Hoxhaj stated, suggesting the approach might be linked to broader political arguments about reforming human rights provisions.
Historical Context and Political Backlash
This isn't the first time a UK home secretary has faced criticism from the Albanian leader. In November 2022, Rama accused then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman of "fuelling xenophobia" when she claimed some Albanians were abusing modern slavery laws.
The current controversy has also sparked domestic political challenges for Mahmood, who faces anger from more than two dozen Labour MPs over plans that could see families forcibly removed if they refuse cash incentives to return voluntarily.
Rama concluded his criticism with a warning about the consequences of such rhetoric, stating it could expose Albanian citizens to "increased risks, including from extremist groups that thrive on such narratives." The Home Office has been approached for comment regarding the Albanian prime minister's accusations.
