Angola and Namibia Agree to Take Back Illegal Migrants and Criminals Following UK Visa Threats to DR Congo
The UK government has announced that Angola and Namibia have agreed to take back illegal migrants and criminals following threats of visa sanctions against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over a lack of cooperation on removals.
The UK Home Office reported that while Angola and Namibia have improved their processes and met the 'gold standard' by cooperating on removals, DR Congo has failed to do so. As a result, nationals from DR Congo will now have to apply for visas like everyone else, with their fast-track processing revoked. VIPs and decision-makers from DR Congo have been stripped of preferential visa treatment.
The government warned that further measures could be introduced against DR Congo, including a complete halt on visas if cooperation does not improve. These actions are part of broader efforts to scale up removal and deportation of illegal migrants.
Since July 2024, nearly 50,000 people with no right to remain in the UK have been deported, representing a 23% increase. Over 7,000 foreign national offenders have also been returned. Shabana Mahmood described the move as the start of steps to secure the border and enhance removal of those with no right to be in the UK.
