Two African nations have agreed to accept the return of their citizens from the UK following a direct threat of visa sanctions from the Home Secretary. The breakthrough comes after Shabana Mahmood warned she would halt visa issuance to countries refusing to cooperate on the removal of illegal migrants and foreign criminals.
Pressure Yields Results on Returns
In November, Shabana Mahmood explicitly named Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the first countries facing a potential visa ban. The Home Office accused these nations of maintaining "unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes," including refusing to process paperwork and requiring individuals to sign their own deportation documents—a tactic that effectively allows them to block their own removal.
The government stated that these practices had frustrated efforts to remove thousands of individuals with no right to remain in Britain. While the three countries account for a very small number of UK visas—just 299 for the DRC, 273 for Angola, and 140 for Namibia in the year to June—the principle of cooperation was deemed critical.
Deals Struck with Two Nations, One Holds Out
The pressure has now yielded results with Angola and Namibia. The Home Office confirmed that both countries have agreed to new processes, enabling the UK to return illegal migrants and foreign national offenders in the coming months.
However, the Democratic Republic of Congo has so far failed to make the required changes. In response, the UK has revoked fast-track visa processing and halted preferential treatment for diplomats and VIPs from the DRC as an initial warning. Ms Mahmood has reiterated her readiness to take further action, stating: "Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country."
A "Transactional" Approach to Migration
This development is part of a broader, tougher stance on immigration under the Labour government. Since taking office in July 2024, the government claims nearly 50,000 people have been deported, including more than 7,000 foreign national offenders.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has instructed British diplomats worldwide to adopt a more "transactional" approach, prioritising deportation agreements. "People who come to the UK illegally, overstay their visas, or commit crimes in our country should expect to be returned," she said.
The Home Secretary framed the agreements as just the beginning. "This is just the start of the measures I am taking to secure our border and ramp up the removal of those with no right to be here," Ms Mahmood stated, thanking Angola and Namibia for their new cooperation.
