UK to Restrict Visas for DR Congo Over Lack of Cooperation on Migrant Returns
The UK government announced it will restrict visas for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) due to the country's lack of cooperation in accepting the return of illegal migrants and foreign national offenders.
Visa processing for DR Congo has been halted, including the fast-track process, and VIPs and politicians will no longer receive preferential treatment. This move forms part of the UK's broader asylum reforms, which include introducing temporary refugee status, ending guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers, and creating capped safe and legal routes into the UK.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that she would not hesitate to ban visas for other countries that refuse to take back their citizens. The penalties for non-cooperation could escalate to a complete visa ban on DR Congo if the situation does not improve. An emergency brake on visas exists for countries with high asylum claims.
Meanwhile, Angola and Namibia have agreed to increase the return of their citizens to their home countries, which the UK government described as the first delivery success of the asylum reforms. Previous returns from DR Congo, Angola, and Namibia were hampered by paperwork and signature requirements, issues that may improve with better cooperation.
Mahmood urged DR Congo to cooperate by accepting the return of its citizens to avoid losing visa entry privileges entirely.
