The UK has achieved a significant diplomatic victory as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Namibia have agreed to accept the return of their nationals who are in the UK illegally. These agreements were reached after the UK threatened to impose visa restrictions on these countries in retaliation for a lack of cooperation.

UK's Visa Penalty Strategy

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood issued a stern warning that nations refusing to repatriate their citizens could face visa penalties. This move came as part of changes to the UK's asylum system, aimed at rectifying obstructive procedures that hindered the deportation process.

Agreement After Threats

Following the ultimatum, Namibia and Angola promptly agreed to the conditions, with the Democratic Republic of Congo subsequently joining. The threat included an emergency halt on visas for non-compliant countries, especially where high numbers of asylum applications originated from those nations.

Response From The Home Secretary

In her response to the new agreements, Mahmood stated, "Illegal migrants and dangerous criminals will now be removed and deported back to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo." She emphasized her commitment to maintaining order and control over UK borders.

Potential Impact on Visa Policies

The Home Office has clarified that more than 3,000 individuals from these countries could be subject to removal or deportation thanks to these agreements. Moreover, Mahmood hinted that similar measures could be enforced against other countries demonstrating resistance to such deals, including India, Pakistan, and several African nations.

Wider Implications

This development might set a precedent for how the UK handles future immigration negotiations. The potential implementation of visa restrictions could serve as a robust tool for encouraging compliance from other nations. However, it also raises questions about the international relations balance and the ethical implications of using visa policies as leverage.

Ultimately, this new agreement marks a crucial step in the UK’s immigration strategy, highlighting the government's intent to enforce strict border controls and manage immigration more effectively.

Source:bbc uk