UK Secures Deportation Deals with Three African Nations After Visa Pressure

The UK has secured agreements with Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to accept the return of illegal migrants and foreign criminals, following pressure from the UK.

After warning that visas could be restricted, Namibia and Angola agreed to cooperate within a month, while the DRC followed after preferential visa treatment and fast-track processing were withdrawn.

Within three months, return flights were already underway, which the Home Office says demonstrates the effectiveness of linking visa access to cooperation on removals. More than 3,000 nationals from the three countries may now be eligible for deportation.

The policy forms part of wider government reforms aimed at tightening border control and increasing removals, with 58,500 people deported since the current government took office.

While some countries are now cooperating, others continue to block returns and may face similar visa penalties.

The Home Secretary said governments that refuse to take back their citizens should expect consequences, adding that she will take firm action to restore control of the UK’s borders.