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The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has successfully secured agreements from three African nations to accept the return of foreign offenders and illegal migrants. This development follows a stern warning issued by Mahmood, threatening visa restrictions on countries that fail to cooperate with the UK’s removal processes. Namibia and Angola reached agreements shortly after the initial threat, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now agreed to participate as well.
In a statement following the success, Mahmood emphasized the seriousness of the UK government’s stance: “My message is clear, if foreign governments refuse to accept the return of their citizens, then they will face consequences.” The government had previously indicated it would curtail visa issuance to individuals from Angola, Namibia, and the DRC if those countries did not improve cooperation regarding the repatriation of migrants. The Home Office reported that returns from these nations were hindered by bureaucratic obstacles such as delays in paperwork and the requirement for individuals to sign their own documents, thereby effectively blocking the removal process.
The UK had criticized the returns procedures of these countries as “unacceptably poor and obstructive,” and Mahmood outlined that visa penalties, including an “emergency brake” on visa issuance, would be imposed on nations with high asylum claim numbers that failed to comply with deportation arrangements. She stated, “Illegal migrants and dangerous criminals will now be removed and deported back to Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” reinforcing her commitment to maintaining order and control at the UK’s borders.
According to the government, more than 3,000 individuals from these three countries may now become eligible for removal or deportation under the new agreements. Mahmood has also indicated that countries unwilling to collaborate on returns should not expect a normal visa relationship in the future, hinting at further penalties. Other countries reportedly resistant to return agreements include India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Somalia, and Gabon, with the UK potentially considering sanctions against them as well
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