What You Need to Know
The UK government has threatened to cut visa allocations for Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to their lack of cooperation in repatriating undocumented migrants. This move is part of broader immigration reforms aimed at tightening border controls and addressing the rising number of small boat crossings from France.
Africa. The UK government has threatened to reduce visa allocations for three African countries it accuses of insufficient cooperation in repatriating their undocumented citizens residing in the UK. This threat is part of extensive reforms to immigration policy that the Labour government intends to present to Parliament.
The Home Office has identified Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the countries in question, deeming their lack of cooperation on deportation issues as “unacceptable.”
State Minister for Asylum and Border Security Alex Norris stated that these countries have “one month to improve their cooperation,” warning of potential restrictions on tourist visas and VIP visas.
Political Background and Internal Pressures
This move comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood seeks to tighten measures against irregular immigration, particularly following an increase in the number of arrivals via small boats from northern France. This issue has been leveraged by the far-right opposition party, the “Reform UK,” to bolster its political presence.
Proposed reforms include reducing protections granted to refugees and requiring them to return to their countries “as soon as they are deemed safe,” in addition to denying asylum seekers automatic access to social assistance.
The government also aims to expedite deportation processes through legislation that limits the ability to appeal based on the European Convention on Human Rights.
According to Home Office data, over 39,000 migrants have arrived in the UK via boats since the beginning of the year, a figure that surpasses last year’s total. Asylum applications have risen by 18% in 2024, while they have decreased by 13% within the European Union during the same period.
Official figures indicate that more than 400,000 asylum applications have been recorded since 2021, compared to only 150,000 between 2011 and 2015.
The UK has been grappling with immigration challenges for years, particularly concerning undocumented migrants arriving via small boats. This issue has intensified political debates, with the ruling Labour Party facing pressure to implement stricter immigration controls. Recent statistics indicate a significant increase in asylum applications, prompting the government to explore measures that could expedite deportations and limit protections for refugees.
The proposed reforms reflect a shift in the UK’s immigration policy, focusing on reducing the number of asylum seekers and enhancing cooperation with countries of origin.