Three African countries agree to UK migrant returns after visa penalty threat

Three African Countries Agree to UK Migrant Returns After Visa Penalty Threat

Three African nations have reached an agreement with the UK regarding the return of foreign offenders and illegal migrants, following a stern warning from the UK Home Secretary about impending visa penalties.

– In December, after firm discussions led by Shabana Mahmood, both Namibia and Angola committed to improved cooperation on migrant returns.
– Recently, cooperation has also been secured from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
– Mahmood stated, My message is clear: if foreign governments refuse to accept the return of their citizens, then they will face consequences.

The UK government had previously indicated it would halt visa grants to nationals from Angola, Namibia, and the DRC if those nations did not enhance their cooperation on the return of illegal migrants and foreign criminals.

Visa Penalties and Returns Process

– The Home Office reported delays in processing returns from the DRC, Angola, and Namibia.
– Issues included paperwork not being completed and individuals being required to sign their own documents, effectively giving them an unexpected veto over the process.
– The government warned these three countries could face significant penalties due to their “unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes.”

During discussions about overhauling the UK’s asylum system in November, Mahmood announced that visa penalties would be imposed on countries that fail to facilitate returns. These penalties include an emergency brake on visa approvals for nations with high asylum claims until they agree to take back their citizens illegally residing in the UK.

Following the recent agreement, Mahmood emphasized, Illegal migrants and dangerous criminals will now be removed and deported back to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She reiterated her commitment, stating, I will do what it takes to secure our order and control of our borders.

Impact and Future Prospects

The UK government estimates that over 3,000 individuals from these three countries could be eligible for removal or deportation due to the newfound cooperation. In the year ending September 2025, the UK recorded 36,475 returns and deportations, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. Of these, approximately 5,000 were foreign national offenders, with 48% from EU countries and 52% from non-EU countries.

The Home Secretary indicated that countries unwilling to collaborate with the UK on returns can expect their visa relationships to be affected, with further threats of penalties for continued non-cooperation. Nations such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Gabon are currently resistant to similar return agreements, prompting the government to consider potential sanctions for these countries.

The government aims to increase the repatriation of illegal migrants to deter future crossings of the English Channel. Last year, 41,472 migrants made this perilous journey, a 13% increase from the previous year.

By the end of 2022, European countries, including the UK, agreed to renegotiate their approach to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to facilitate the deportation of illegal migrants. Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch stated that leaving the treaty is a necessary step to protect our borders.

Through the recent agreements with Angola, Namibia, and the DRC, the UK government is taking critical steps to enhance its migrant return strategies and reinstate control over its borders, while emphasizing the implications of non-compliance from other nations.