LONDON, United Kingdom — The United Kingdom government has officially imposed a series of visa restrictions on citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the country’s failure to facilitate the return of illegal migrants and foreign national offenders.
The move marks the first major enforcement action under the UK’s overhauled asylum and immigration framework introduced last month.
While the DRC faces penalties, the Home Office confirmed that Angola and Namibia have avoided similar sanctions after successfully negotiating improved co-operation agreements.
Restrictions and VIP penalties
Under the new measures, fast-track visa processing for DRC nationals will be suspended. In a significant shift, the Home Office stated that politicians and high-ranking officials from the DRC will no longer receive “preferential treatment” or VIP status when applying for entry into the UK.
A government source emphasized that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood remains prepared to extend these bans to any other nation that refuses to accept the return of its citizens who are in the UK illegally.
Angola and Namibia comply
Previously, Angola and Namibia had also been threatened with visa sanctions for what the Home Office described as “unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes.” However, both nations have now pledged to streamline the repatriation of their citizens.
The Home Office hailed the co-operation from Luanda and Windhoek as the “first delivery success from last month’s asylum reforms.” Officials believe these agreements could pave the way for the deportation of thousands of individuals.
The “Emergency Brake” policy
The crackdown is part of a broader shift in British asylum policy. Under the new rules, refugee status is transitioning to a temporary designation, guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers is being phased out, and the government is implementing capped “safe and legal routes.”
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Home Secretary Mahmood previously warned that an “emergency brake” on visas would be used against nations with high numbers of asylum claims that fail to co-operate with removals.
In the case of the DRC, officials noted that while some engagement has occurred, a total visa ban remains a possibility if co-operation does not rapidly improve.
Official Statement
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood underscored the government’s firm stance, stating:
“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.”
