London , 28 December (H.S.): The United Kingdom has imposed stringent visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for failing to cooperate on repatriating illegal migrants and foreign national offenders, stripping the nation of fast-track processing and preferential treatment for VIPs and politicians, as announced by the Home Office on Saturday.
This measure stems from November's sweeping asylum reforms by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, which introduced temporary refugee status reviewed every 30 months, ended guaranteed housing support, and established capped safe and legal routes, alongside an emergency brake on visas for non-compliant countries hindering returns through bureaucratic delays like unprocessed paperwork or self-signing requirements.
Mahmood warned of potential full visa suspension unless DRC cooperation surges, declaring, We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back.
Compliance Wins for Angola, NamibiaIn contrast, Angola and Namibia swiftly agreed to enhanced repatriation processes after facing identical threats, marking the reforms' inaugural success and potentially enabling thousands of removals, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noting over 50,000 departures since July—a 23% rise—while prioritizing diplomatic pressure.
The Home Office affirmed readiness to extend sanctions to other obstructors, amid 39,000 small boat arrivals this year fueling public discontent.No accidents or incidents accompanied the policy rollout, which draws inspiration from Denmark's strict model to deter Channel crossings and streamline deportations under Labour's overhaul.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
