Shabana Mahmood reports pressure from ministers over migrant visas

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has revealed that she faces frequent lobbying from fellow Labour ministers requesting increased numbers of migrant worker visas to fill domestic vacancies. Mahmood noted that she is approached by colleagues from various government departments every few weeks with urgent requests for overseas staff, such as welders, to address labor shortages.

Mahmood expressed frustration with the practice, questioning why domestic shortages cannot be resolved through other means and highlighting the potential for foreign workers to face poor pay and living conditions. She emphasized that migration should only be used when a genuine shortage exists that cannot be fixed otherwise.

Separately, critics have challenged the government’s approach to refugee resettlement. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of previous policy changes on Afghan women and girls, including the abrupt closure of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. Research suggests that some Afghan women arriving in the UK have experienced isolation and a lack of essential support services.