Imagine being told, "Take them back or forget coming here." That's the message the UK government is sending to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a simmering dispute over the return of its nationals. The stakes are high, and the UK isn't bluffing.

Nowadays, limits on visas are crucial. For those coming from the DRC, the UK has made the decision to tighten the noose. Why? due to the DRC government's refusal to comply with the UK's updated regulations regarding the deportation of foreign criminals and unlawful immigrants. Ministers are not holding back when they claim that the DRC has failed to implement the reforms outlined in the UK's new asylum laws, which were only published in November of last year.

In the past, DRC citizens may have benefited from expedited visa procedures. No more. VIPs and politicians from the Democratic Republic of the Congo are being taken advantage of by the Home Office, the UK's immigration gatekeeper. No more preferential treatment. This is a promise rather than a threat.

However, Angola and Namibia have escaped the bullet, but the DRC is in hot trouble. In order to avoid the same penalties that the DRC faces, they have decided to take action and retake their countrymen. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is not scared to impose a visa block on any nation that refuses to repatriate its citizens, according to a government insider.

The UK's asylum reforms have achieved their first victory with the compliance of Angola and Namibia. The administration had been very clear: either increase your cooperation or bid adieu to your visas. As these agreements take effect, the statistics might be startling, with thousands possibly facing deportation.

Refugee status in the UK is becoming more of a transient situation as a result of the recent reforms to the asylum system. Assistance with housing for asylum seekers? That is also drying up. Additionally, new capped "safe and legal routes" are being developed if you're trying to find a way in.

Last month, Mahmood was adamant in his warning that nations that did not comply with the return procedures would face visa fines. Visas' "emergency brake" was more than a mere scare technique. Until they began reclaiming their own, it was a viable alternative for nations with a significant volume of asylum petitions.

Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had been accused of being slow to act. The system stalled documents, or worse, individuals had to approve their own deportations, which essentially gave them a veto. Having had enough, the Home Office denounced these "unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes."

The DRC's involvement has been, at best, mediocre. The threat is crystal clear: the UK may completely cut off all visa applications from the DRC unless cooperation picks up speed.

"We expect countries to play by the rules," stated Home Secretary Mahmood, without sugarcoating the situation. They must return their citizens if they have no right to be here. She praised Namibia and Angola for their efforts, but the DRC's time is running out. "Do the right thing," she said, "Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country."