UK Threatens Visa Crackdown on Angola, Namibia, and DRC Over Deportation Dispute
LONDON – The British government has issued a one-month ultimatum to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, threatening to suspend tourist and VIP visas for their nationals over accusations that the countries are refusing to cooperate with the deportation of illegal immigrants.
The stark warning was delivered by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who stated that “thousands” of nationals from these three southern African nations remain in the UK illegally after their asylum claims were rejected. The proposed measures represent a significant escalation in the UK’s strategy to manage immigration and streamline its deportation process.
Strict Deadline and Potential for Wider Measures
According to the Home Office, the governments of Angola, Namibia, and the DRC have one month to comply with UK deportation requests. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of all tourist visas, as well as the expedited VIP visas often used by business travellers and officials.
Home Secretary Mahmood further warned that this policy could be extended to other nations with high numbers of rejected asylum seekers, signalling a broader, more aggressive approach to immigration diplomacy.
The threat comes amid ongoing political pressure on the UK government to tackle illegal immigration. Official data reveals that nearly 40,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year, a figure that represents an increase from the same period in 2024.
New Policy: Asylum Seekers to Pay for Accommodation
In a related development, the government has also announced a new proposal requiring asylum seekers who possess their own assets to contribute to the cost of their state-provided accommodation. This move is part of a wider effort to reduce the financial burden of the asylum system on British taxpayers.
The visa restriction threat is a tool available to the UK government under its immigration laws, designed to leverage international cooperation. By targeting a country’s more affluent and mobile citizens, London hopes to compel administrative cooperation on deportations, a process that has often been stalled by diplomatic and bureaucratic hurdles.
The governments of Angola, Namibia, and the DRC have not yet issued public responses to the UK’s ultimatum. The next month will be a critical period of diplomatic engagement, with the future travel privileges for their citizens hanging in the balance.
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