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UK imposes visa restrictions on DRC nationals
The United Kingdom will enforce visa restrictions on travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after its government failed to comply with demands to repatriate illegal migrants and foreign offenders, the Home Office announced on Sunday.
DRC's non-cooperation triggers sanctions
Ministers stated the DRC had not implemented required changes under the UK's stricter asylum rules, introduced in November. As a result, fast-track visa processes for DRC nationals will be suspended, and preferential treatment for VIPs and politicians visiting the UK will end.
Angola and Namibia avoid sanctions with new agreements
In contrast, Angola and Namibia agreed to expedite the return of their citizens, avoiding threatened sanctions. A government source confirmed the agreements marked the "first delivery success" of last month's asylum reforms.
The Home Office indicated the deals could lead to the removal and deportation of thousands of individuals.
Asylum system overhaul tightens rules
Under the new asylum policies, refugee status will become temporary, guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers will cease, and new "safe and legal routes" into the UK will be capped. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned last month that visa penalties would target countries refusing to cooperate on returns, including an "emergency brake" on visas for nations with high asylum claims until they accept repatriations.
Bureaucratic hurdles hinder returns
The Home Office reported that returns from the DRC, Angola, and Namibia had been obstructed by delays in processing paperwork and requirements for individuals to sign their own documents, effectively granting them veto power. The three countries were warned of penalties for their "unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes."
While the DRC had engaged in some discussions, the Home Office warned that "unless co-operation rapidly improves," further measures-including a full visa ban-could follow.
Home Secretary urges DRC to comply
"We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back. I thank Angola and Namibia and welcome their co-operation. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood
