Two nations have agreed to enhance their efforts in repatriating their citizens who were deported from the UK after the Home Secretary issued a warning of a potential visa ban. Shabana Mahmood recently stated the possibility of suspending visa issuance to foreign nationals from specific countries if their governments did not cooperate on the return agreements, singling out Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) initially.
The Home Office cited the unacceptable and obstructive return procedures of the three countries, resulting in Angola and Namibia eventually agreeing to receive migrants following the threat of penalties. However, in response to the DRC’s failure to make necessary adjustments, the UK has rescinded fast-track visa processing and suspended preferential visa treatment for diplomats and VIPs from the DRC as a cautionary measure.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of countries abiding by regulations, stating that if their citizens have no legal right to stay in the UK, they must be repatriated. Expressing gratitude to Angola and Namibia for their cooperation, she urged the Democratic Republic of Congo to follow suit. Mahmood underscored the necessity for the DRC to take back its citizens promptly or face the consequence of losing privileges to enter the UK.
The affected countries represented a small fraction of the over 800,000 visas granted for various purposes in the year up to June. Specifically, 299 visas were issued to individuals from the DRC, 273 to Angolan nationals, and 140 to Namibians. Additionally, a minimal number of illegal migrants entered the UK through irregular routes during that period, with only 11 from the DRC, three from Angola, and none from Namibia.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the government’s commitment to removing individuals unlawfully present in the UK, with over 50,000 deportations since taking office. Cooper instructed diplomatic channels globally to prioritize repatriations, emphasizing the effectiveness of cooperation in achieving swift outcomes.
Cooper reiterated that individuals entering the UK illegally, overstaying visas, or engaging in criminal activities should anticipate repatriation, stressing the importance of governments collaborating in this process to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.