Two nations have agreed to enhance their efforts in repatriating their citizens who were deported from the UK following a warning from the Home Secretary about a potential visa ban.
Last month, Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, had indicated the possibility of ceasing visa issuance to foreign nationals from specific countries if those governments did not cooperate on return agreements. She specifically mentioned Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during her announcement.
The Home Office stated that the three countries were facing consequences due to their inefficient and obstructive return processes. Recently, Angola and Namibia have agreed to accept the return of migrants after being threatened with penalties.
In response to the lack of action from the DRC, the UK has revoked expedited visa processing and suspended preferential visa treatment for diplomats and VIPs as a cautionary measure.
Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of countries abiding by regulations, stressing the need for them to take back their citizens who do not have the right to remain in the UK. She commended Angola and Namibia for their cooperation and urged the DRC to follow suit or risk losing privileges of entry into the UK.
These actions are part of a broader strategy to strengthen border security and increase the removal of individuals without legal status in the country.
Despite the threat posed by the three countries, they constituted only a small portion of the over 800,000 visas granted for various purposes in the year up to June. The number of illegal migrants entering the UK through irregular means from these countries was also minimal.
Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, highlighted the government’s commitment to removing individuals without the right to stay in the UK. She instructed diplomatic networks globally to prioritize returns, emphasizing the effectiveness of cooperation between countries in achieving swift results.
Individuals entering the UK illegally, overstaying visas, or engaging in criminal activities should anticipate deportation, with continued pressure on their respective governments to facilitate the repatriation process.