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Government officials are currently seeking all possible legal avenues to deport Shabir Ahmed, the former leader of a Rochdale grooming gang, following his scheduled release from prison. Ahmed was sentenced to 22 years in August 2012 for his role in the systematic abuse of girls as young as 12. Despite earlier assurances that he would be deported after serving his sentence, Ahmed’s victims have been informed that a 55-year-old law — the Immigration Act 1971 — prevents the government from removing him from the UK. This has prompted renewed calls for legislative change to close what many see as a loophole protecting him.
Sir Alan Campbell, the Leader of the House of Commons, acknowledged the complexities of the case, affirming that “the government is exploring every option in this case.” Similarly, Baroness Jacqui Smith, the Labour Minister for Skills, stated the government was committed to doing “everything we can to get this guy out of the country.” Ahmed, now 73, held dual British and Pakistani citizenship at the time of his conviction. Although his British citizenship was revoked by the court, the 1971 Immigration Act stipulates that Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 and lived there for at least five years cannot be deported, which complicates efforts to remove him.
Local MP Jim McMahon, representing an area near where some of the abuse took place, emphasized the original intent of the 1971 act was to protect Commonwealth citizens who had contributed positively to the UK, “not designed to give a free pass to a child rapist.” He supports closing this loophole but explained that legal advice is required to determine if changes to the law could be applied retrospectively, which would enable Ahmed’s deportation. The government is reportedly considering an amendment to the ongoing Immigration and Asylum Bill to address this issue. In Parliament, questions have been raised urging the Home Office and Foreign Office to use all their powers to ensure Ahmed is deported and that his victims do not have to face him again.
The psychological impact on the victims remains a serious concern. One survivor, known only as ‘Ruby’ for legal reasons, expressed fear for her safety and that of her children. She said Ahmed is “well known in Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton,” and even if not physically present, he could maintain contact through acquaintances in these areas. Campaigner and former police detective Maggie Oliver, who supports Ruby, recounted an incident where Ruby encountered another gang member believed to be still incarcerated, highlighting the persistent fear survivors endure. Oliver urged authorities to take victims’ safety concerns seriously, explaining that many live with anxiety about gang members possibly appearing in their communities despite restrictions. Upon release, Ahmed will be subject to strict licence conditions, including electronic monitoring and exclusion zones covering Rochdale and Oldham, with immediate imprisonment if these are breached
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