Albania’s PM slams UK minister over ‘ethnic stereotyping’ in migration row
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Britain’s interior minister Shabana Mahmood of 'ethnic stereotyping' after she highlighted 700 Albanian families in an immigration speech. The dispute follows years of tension over migration policies between the two countries, including a 2022 returns deal that led to over 13,000 deportations from the UK to Albania.
The row began when Mahmood mentioned 700 Albanian families living in UK taxpayer-funded housing after their asylum claims were rejected. She stressed that her remarks targeted only failed applicants, not recognised refugees. Rama swiftly condemned the statement, calling it 'demagoguery' and a 'statistical drop in the ocean' compared to Britain’s wider post-Brexit challenges.
Rama argued that singling out Albanians was unfair and urged the UK to focus on deeper security cooperation instead. He also pointed to Albania’s role as an ally in controlling migration across the Balkans. The two leaders have clashed before, with Rama previously criticising Reform UK leader Nigel Farage over similar issues.
The UK and Albania signed a deportation agreement in 2022, leading to thousands of deportations. However, no new deal has been publicly announced recently. Rama’s latest comments reflect ongoing frustration over what he sees as repeated scapegoating of Albanian migrants.
The exchange highlights persistent tensions between the two governments on migration policy. Albania remains a key partner in regional security, but disputes over asylum and deportations continue. No further official statements have been made since the latest clash.
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