Three African nations have agreed to accept back foreign offenders and illegal migrants in response to threats of visa restrictions from the UK Home Secretary.
Last December, after warnings issued by Shabana Mahmood, Namibia and Angola reached an agreement to facilitate the return of illegal migrants. Recently, cooperation has also been secured from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
"My message is straightforward: if foreign governments decline to accept their returning citizens, they will face repercussions," Mahmood stated, as reported by the BBC.
Previously, the UK authorities had indicated that they would halt the issuance of visas to citizens of Angola, Namibia, and the DRC if these countries did not enhance their cooperation in deportation processes.
According to the Home Office, the return of individuals from the DRC, Angola, and Namibia had been impeded, with issues such as delays in paperwork and citizens being asked to sign their own documents, effectively giving them a veto over their deportation.
The UK government had warned of possible penalties against the three nations due to their “unacceptably poor and obstructive processes for returning individuals.”
During an announcement outlining changes to the UK’s asylum policies last November, Mahmood emphasized that visa penalties would be imposed on countries that do not cooperate with the UK’s deportation strategies.
Additionally, her statements indicated that an “emergency brake” mechanism would be implemented to limit visas for nations facing high asylum claims until they agree to take back their illegally residing citizens in the UK.
Following this new agreement, Mahmood remarked: "Individuals who are illegally in the country, including dangerous criminals, will be deported back to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo."
"I am committed to ensuring order and control at our borders," she added.
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