LONDON (FN) — Britain has warned it may impose visa bans on nationals of Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless those governments agree to accept deported migrants and foreign criminals, escalating tensions over immigration policy.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told Parliament that the three African nations have repeatedly refused to cooperate with deportation orders. She said more than 4,000 individuals are awaiting removal from the UK but cannot be sent back because their governments will not issue travel documents.
Mahmood described the move as part of the “most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times.” She argued that Britain cannot reduce immigration numbers if foreign governments block deportations.
The proposed sanctions would mean citizens of Angola, Namibia, and the DRC could be denied visas to travel to the UK for tourism, business, or official purposes. The Home Office said the restrictions would remain until the countries comply with deportation agreements.
Britain has given the governments a one‑month deadline to begin cooperating. Officials said the visa bans would be enforced if no progress is made, calling the measure a “last resort” to protect the integrity of UK immigration policy.
How UK Visa Bans Work
Britain’s threat to impose visa bans on Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is part of a legal tool the government has used before to pressure countries that refuse to accept deported migrants.
Under UK immigration law, the Home Office can suspend or restrict visa services for nationals of specific countries. This means citizens of those nations cannot apply for tourist, business, or official visas until their governments comply with deportation agreements.
The measure is designed as leverage. By blocking travel, Britain hopes to force foreign governments to issue the travel documents needed to repatriate migrants and criminals who have been ordered removed from the UK. Although rarely enforced, the threat itself often sparks diplomatic negotiations. In 2021, Britain used similar tactics against countries in Africa and Asia, but most bans were lifted once agreements were reached.
The announcement comes amid growing political pressure in Britain to curb migration. The government has faced criticism over rising numbers of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in small boats, as well as delays in processing deportations.
Opposition lawmakers and rights groups questioned the fairness of targeting specific African nations. They warned that visa bans could damage diplomatic relations and punish ordinary citizens who have no role in government policy.
Angola, Namibia, and the DRC have not yet issued formal responses. Analysts say the countries may resist Britain’s demands, viewing them as heavy‑handed and reminiscent of colonial‑era pressure tactics.
International observers noted that Britain has used similar strategies before. In 2021, the UK threatened visa restrictions against countries that refused to accept deported criminals, though few bans were ultimately enforced.
For now, the standoff highlights the global challenge of migration management. Britain’s threat underscores how immigration disputes can spill into diplomacy, with ordinary travelers caught in the middle.
