The UK government has issued a formal warning to Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying it may impose visa restrictions if the three African nations fail to accept the return of their citizens who entered Britain illegally. The ultimatum, delivered on Monday, comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood prepares to unveil sweeping reforms to the country’s asylum and immigration framework.
In a statement, the Home Office said it would halt the issuance of visas to nationals from the affected states unless their governments cooperate in repatriating “criminals and illegal migrants” who are subject to removal orders in the UK. Officials cited “unacceptably low cooperation” on returns and said the governments involved have one month to demonstrate compliance.
Immigration has become one of the most divisive political issues in the UK, with growing public concern over small-boat Channel crossings and increasing pressure on the governing Labour Party from Reform UK. Mahmood’s planned overhaul—described by ministers as the most extensive restructuring of the asylum system in decades—aims to sharply reduce irregular migration.
Under the proposed reforms, Britain would introduce an “emergency brake” that allows the government to restrict visa issuance to countries with high asylum-claim rates, even for travellers attempting to enter legally. The package also draws heavily on Denmark’s stricter immigration model, signalling a substantial shift in the UK’s long-standing protections for refugees.
If implemented, the changes would end automatic access to benefits for asylum seekers, shorten refugee status from five years to 30 months, and subject refugees to more frequent reviews that could result in return to their home countries once they are deemed safe. The waiting period to apply for permanent residency would also increase dramatically—from five years to 20.
The measures have sparked criticism from rights advocates and some Labour MPs. Tony Vaughan, a prominent critic of the reforms, warned that the proposals risk placing refugees in a “state of perpetual limbo,” undermining integration efforts and long-term stability.
Despite a rise in asylum applications this year, Home Office data shows that initial approvals have declined. The UK continues to maintain several humanitarian visa pathways—including those for Ukrainians, Afghans and Hong Kong residents—though the government insists tougher rules are needed to manage overall migration numbers and deter irregular entries.
Source:Africa Publicity
