'I fled Africa to safety ... now I could be sent back'

Shams Moussa tells Alex Ross that despite a change of government in his home country, he feels like an 'alien'

- ALEX ROSS

A refugee who escaped political persecution in Africa to safety in the UK fears he could be sent back to his home country under Labour’s new migrant crackdown.

Shams Moussa has described controversial plans to reform the asylum system, which could see refugees returned to their home nation 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, has also accused Labour 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 that the UK’s generosity had made it an attractive destination for those seeking sanctuary compared to other European nations.

Describing the current system as “out of control”, she said she planned to reduce the number of people arriving illegally in Britain and ramp up removals of those with no right to be in the UK.

The proposals, which have faced backlash from some Labour figures, include cutting the time refugees are initially granted to stay in the UK, from five years to 30 months, which could only be renewed if it is not safe for them to return to their home country.

Refugees would also have to spend 20 years in the UK before being allowed to apply for settled status, up from five years.