UK Warns Visa Bans for Nations Refusing Migrant Returns
UK plans visa sanctions on countries rejecting migrant returns as part of wider reforms targeting illegal immigration and restoring control to the system.
The UK will introduce visa penalties on countries that refuse to take back illegal migrants, failed asylum seekers and foreign criminals. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce a sliding scale of sanctions, starting with the removal of fast-track visa services and escalating to full visa bans for tourists and government officials. Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the first to face formal warnings after declining to accept more than 4,000 individuals slated for removal. They have one month to begin cooperating or face restrictions. India, Pakistan and Nigeria may also be added. Mahmood will also outline wider reforms aimed at restoring control of the asylum system, arguing that persistent illegal immigration has destabilised communities and eroded public trust.
Editorial