The UK has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo after accusing it of failing to cooperate on returns, while Angola and Namibia agreed to step up repatriations. These moves accompany sweeping asylum reforms that make refugee status temporary, introduce 30-month reviews and extend the wait for permanent residency from five to 20 years. The changes have prompted criticism from former officials and refugee organisations even as the government points to increases in removals and record asylum claims.
UK Imposes Visa Curbs On DRC, Secures Return Deals With Angola and Namibia
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled dramatic changes to the country's asylum system, including drastically cutting protections for refugees and their children, last month [File: Phil Noble/Reuters]
The United Kingdom has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), accusing Kinshasa of failing to cooperate with its new policy to return undocumented migrants and foreign nationals convicted of crimes. The Home Office announced the measures late on Saturday and said Angola and Namibia have agreed to step up efforts to repatriate their nationals.
What the Measures Entail
The Home Office said the DRC did not meet the UK’s cooperation requirements and has therefore lost access to fast-track visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs and senior decision-makers. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned the UK could escalate the response to a full visa suspension for the DRC unless cooperation improves swiftly.
“We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back,” Mahmood said. “I thank Angola and Namibia and welcome their co-operation. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing.”
Context: Asylum Reforms And Returns
These actions follow sweeping asylum reforms unveiled last month by Mahmood intended to make refugee status temporary and accelerate removals of people who arrive in the UK without documentation. The package, modelled in part on Denmark’s strict approach to asylum, aims to deter small-boat Channel crossings and to tighten the rules on permanent settlement.
Under the new rules, refugee status will be temporary and reviewed every 30 months, and refugees may be required to return home once their countries are judged safe. The waiting period to apply for permanent residency would rise from five years to 20 years. The government also plans to legislate to make it harder for irregular migrants and foreign offenders to block deportations using the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Figures, Reactions And Diplomacy
The government says it has removed more than 50,000 people with no right to remain since July last year — a 23% increase on the previous comparable period. Official figures cited by AFP show around 111,000 asylum applications in the year to June 2025, though the share of initial positive decisions fell from 2023 to 2024. Net migration peaked at 906,000 in the year to June 2023 before easing to 431,000 in 2024, partly reflecting tighter rules.
There was no immediate comment from authorities in the DRC, Angola or Namibia.
Criticism And Concerns
The policy has drawn criticism from former officials and refugee organisations. Mark Davies, a former Foreign Office adviser, called the approach “shameful” and said it departs from Britain’s historic commitment to assist refugees. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the measures as “draconian,” while Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, urged the government to reconsider, warning the plans “will not deter” crossings and that refugees who contribute through work should be able to build secure, settled lives.
As the UK presses diplomatic partners to accept returns, the government frames the measures as part of a wider strategy to secure borders and reduce irregular migration. How effective the new rules and bilateral agreements will be in reducing Channel crossings and speeding removals remains a subject of intense political and legal debate.
