Wayne Lumbasi
The United Kingdom has announced a potential visa ban on Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of an intensified effort to control irregular migration.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood issued a warning to the three African nations, urging them to cooperate in repatriating their nationals living in the UK illegally, including foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers.
The UK has given these countries a one-month deadline to improve their repatriation processes. Failure to comply could lead to a phased approach: initial restrictions on diplomatic and VIP visas, followed by a full suspension of all visa issuance for citizens of the targeted countries. The government described the measure as necessary to ensure orderly returns and maintain the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
This move coincides with a broader overhaul of the UK’s asylum framework. Proposed changes include making refugee status temporary and reviewable, extending the time to permanent settlement to up to 20 years, and tightening eligibility for support and housing.
Legal appeals for asylum decisions may be limited to a single appeal, while the definition of “family life” under human rights protections could be narrowed to immediate relatives only.
The Home Secretary emphasized the UK’s firm stance, declaring that countries must take responsibility for their nationals or risk losing visa privileges. The policy signals a new, more assertive approach in dealing with countries that have historically shown low cooperation with deportation and return procedures.
As the deadline approaches, attention turns to whether Angola, Namibia, and the DRC will engage with the UK to avoid the visa restrictions. The coming weeks are expected to determine the next phase of the UK’s immigration strategy, marking a significant moment in the country’s efforts to manage migration flows and enforce return policies.
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