Key Highlights
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood threatens Trump-style visa bans on three African countries.
- The reforms aim to make the UK less attractive for illegal immigrants and easier to deport them.
- The changes include altering Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, limiting appeals, and introducing safe routes for refugees.
- Opposition from Conservative MPs and criticism from human rights groups are expected.
New Immigration Policies Under Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood
The United Kingdom is set to implement sweeping reforms aimed at tackling illegal migration, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiling a series of measures that echo the controversial policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The proposals, which will be laid out in the House of Commons on Monday, November 17, 2025, are described as “the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times.” This comes after an increase in asylum claims and a surge in illegal crossings via small boats across the English Channel.
Visa Bans and Sanctions
Mahmood has threatened to impose Trump-style visa bans on three African countries—Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—if they fail to take back their illegal migrants. According to The Times, Mahmood’s approach is inspired by President Trump’s homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, who was responsible for mass deportations in the U.S.
Changes to Asylum Systems
The reforms extend beyond visa bans and include significant changes to the UK’s asylum system. These include:
- Making Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) more restrictive in migration court cases. The Home Office argues that rights-based appeals have been used to frustrate removals, leading to a rise in use of such claims in recent years.
- Limited multiple appeals and a 20-year wait for permanent settlement for refugees.
- Introduction of safe and legal routes for those genuinely fleeing war and persecution.
- Use of facial age estimation technology as part of the new immigration enforcement strategy to deter false claims involving children.
Government’s Position and Criticism
The government argues that these measures are necessary to restore public confidence in border security. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supports Mahmood’s stance, stating that Britain must ensure its borders remain secure while maintaining the country’s values of fairness and compassion.
However, there is significant opposition from within the Conservative Party. Kemi Badenoch, a prominent Conservative MP, described the plans as “weak” and called for more substantial measures to stop illegal crossings.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, criticized Mahmood’s approach, stating that it won’t survive legal challenges or her own backbenchers.
The Refugee Council has warned that these changes could cost the government £872 million over 10 years and may not deter dangerous crossings but will unfairly prevent men, women, and children from integrating into British life. Mahmood has defended her policies as a “moral mission” to address illegal migration, which she believes is tearing the country apart.
As part of these reforms, Mahmood aims to fast-track the removal of dangerous criminals and expedite last-minute appeals. The Home Secretary asserts that illegal immigration is causing huge divides in society and that action must be taken to retain public consent for an asylum system.
Conclusion
The proposed changes by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood represent a significant shift in the UK’s approach to migration, echoing some of the controversial measures implemented under former U.S. President Donald Trump. While the government argues that these reforms are necessary to protect national security and restore public confidence, critics highlight potential human rights implications and legal challenges. The coming weeks will reveal whether these policies can withstand scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
