Overview
- An individual known as DG Usama, who arrived in the UK by small boat in April 2022 and later gained asylum, posted videos showing an eight‑week visit to Afghanistan in summer 2024.
- He documented his Channel crossing and RNLI rescue in 2022, shared UK landmark posts in 2023, then uploaded clips from Band‑e‑Amir and Takhar before posting “Back to UK” during his return via Dubai.
- The Home Office says it has opened an urgent investigation and that verified travel to a country of origin would prompt a review of protection status, with no decision announced on sanctions or removal.
- Guidance states refugees with travel documents may travel internationally except to their country of origin or the country from which they sought asylum, and UK travel advice warns against visiting Afghanistan.
- Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick criticized the case, as media attention grows during a year in which Channel crossings are at a record level for this point in the year.