The UK government is imposing new visa restrictions on people arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after its authorities failed to co-operate with British efforts to return illegal migrants and foreign national offenders.
Ministers said the DRC has not implemented the changes required under the government’s tougher asylum and immigration reforms announced in November. As a result, fast-track visa services for Congolese nationals will be suspended, and preferential treatment for politicians, officials and VIP visitors will also be withdrawn.
The Home Office said the move was designed to pressure countries that refuse to accept the return of their citizens who have no legal right to remain in the UK.
Angola and Namibia avoid sanctions
In contrast, Angola and Namibia have agreed to strengthen their co-operation with UK authorities by improving paperwork processes and accelerating the return of their nationals. Both countries had been warned they could face similar visa sanctions if they failed to act.
The Home Office described the agreements as the “first delivery success” of the asylum reforms unveiled last month, adding that improved co-operation could lead to the removal and deportation of thousands of people currently in the UK without permission.
Warning of wider visa bans
A government source said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was prepared to extend visa restrictions to other countries if they continue to block removals. Ministers believe some governments have deliberately slowed or obstructed returns by failing to process documents or requiring individuals to sign their own removal paperwork.
Officials said such practices had effectively given foreign governments and individuals a veto over deportation decisions, undermining the UK’s immigration system.
New asylum rules and enforcement powers
Under the government’s overhaul of the asylum system, refugee status will no longer be permanent, guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers will be phased out, and new capped “safe and legal routes” into the UK will be introduced.
The reforms also include an “emergency brake” allowing ministers to restrict visas from countries with high asylum claims until they demonstrate effective co-operation on returns.
Pressure on the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Home Office said returns involving the DRC had been particularly problematic, despite some engagement from its authorities. Ministers warned that unless co-operation improves quickly, further measures could follow, including the possibility of a complete visa ban for Congolese nationals.
Mahmood said the government expected all countries to meet their international obligations. She thanked Angola and Namibia for responding to UK concerns and urged the DRC to do the same.
“If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back,” she said. “Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.”
