‘I fled Africa to safety in the UK – Starmer’s migrant crackdown means I could be sent back’
A refugee who fled political persecution in Africa and made it to safety in the UK fears he could be sent back to his home country under Labor’s new immigration crackdown.
Shams Moussa described controversial plans to reform the asylum system, which could lead to refugees being returned to their home countries if they are later deemed safe, as “deeply worrying”.
The 48-year-old, who met King Charles at a humanitarian reception at Buckingham Palace two years ago, also accused Labor politicians of “scapegoating migrants” while failing to take responsibility for asylum claims.
On Monday, home secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled her proposed overhaul of the asylum system, claiming Britain’s generosity has made it an attractive destination for asylum seekers compared to other European countries.
Describing the current system as “out of control”, he said he planned to reduce the number of people coming to the UK illegally and step up the deportation of those who have no right to be in the UK.
The proposals, which have faced criticism from some in the Labor Party, include reducing the initial period allowed for refugees to stay in the UK from five years to 30 months; This period can only be renewed if it is not safe for them to return to their home country.
Refugees will need to spend 20 years in the UK, instead of five, before being allowed to apply for settled status.
Mr Moussa, who flew to the UK eight years ago, said: “It’s so unfair. My home is my home, I always want to go back to my hometown if I feel safe again. That’s your roots, that’s your DNA.”
“But at the end of the day, how can you make a life in the UK if someone says to you, ‘No, you’ve got to go home in a few years’? It’s very worrying. You’re working, you’re contributing to society, you’re contributing as a taxpayer, you’re building a new life and then suddenly you can be uprooted.”
“Now they’re telling you to go back to where you were in the first place; even if the government changes, you’re a complete stranger to that place because you have to start from scratch.”
In Mr. Musa’s West African country, a military coup several years ago led to the removal of the country’s presidential guard and the appointment of a new head of state.
A report by the US State Department found that the new government did not always respect freedom of expression, and authorities arrested civil society activists they accused of making material inaccuracies in reporting.
Mr. Moussa did not want to name the country for fear of reprisals against his family who still live in the country.
Mr Moussa said: “If I go there… I’ll start talking about them [government] or start criticizing them. What will I do again? Will England say ‘Okay, let’s take shelter here’? And if that doesn’t happen, how will I escape again?”
Upon his arrival in the UK, Mr Moussa immediately sought asylum and was initially resettled in London. He said he had since moved to the North East, where he settled and worked for a charity supporting refugees.
He questioned the proposed measure that would see refugees wait 20 years before applying for permanent settled status, after the UK government offered millions of Hong Kongers the opportunity to settle in the country; He also wants to choose this path.
He added: “The irony is that the UK was a welcoming place and yet they [politicians] Have these ideas, these policies that they’re pushing, these narratives that can basically make you feel unwelcome and endanger your life with everything that’s going on. Instead of taking responsibility, they choose the easy option and scapegoat immigrants.”
His comments came after it was revealed that French police were using extensive nets to prevent small boats from crossing the English Channel; Increasing numbers of people arriving by boats often centered on messages to demonstrate the need to reduce illegal immigration.
Mr Moussa called on the government to focus on allowing more migrants seeking asylum to enter the UK through safe crossings. He said that the housing problem can be partially solved by converting empty buildings in district and city centers into residences.
He added: “Britain is heading towards a place of no return, both humanly and economically. Britain’s population is growing, we need young people to work, pay taxes and support businesses.”
He also encouraged more refugees to apply to vote, believing it would better represent the views and positions of politicians.
The Home Office said it would not comment on individual cases.
