UK Imposes Visa Restrictions on Democratic Republic of Congo Amid Immigration Reform Efforts
The UK government has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the country failed to agree to measures for returning illegal migrants and foreign national offenders. Among the measures scrapped for DRC entrants are fast-track visas as well as VIP and preferential treatment.
Angola and Namibia have agreed to increase their efforts to take back their citizens, a move described by the Home Office as the first delivery of the asylum reforms. Despite this, the government has warned it may halt visa grants for Angola, Namibia, and the DRC if cooperation on removals does not improve, potentially affecting thousands of people.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she would not hesitate to ban visas for other countries that refuse to cooperate on removals. The returns from the DRC, Angola, and Namibia have been hindered by paperwork issues, including individuals signing their own documents, leading the Home Office to warn of penalties.
These actions form part of broader immigration reforms announced in November. Under the new rules, refugee status will be temporary, housing support for asylum seekers will end, and a capped set of safe and legal routes will be introduced.
