UK Strikes Agreements with Angola, Namibia to Return Migrants

The British Home Office announced on Saturday that Angola and Namibia have agreed to accept the return of illegal migrants and criminals, following warnings from the UK government that countries refusing cooperation could face visa-related sanctions.

The Home Office also reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo has been stripped of expedited visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision-makers due to insufficient cooperation with the UK’s requirements.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the UK could escalate measures to a complete visa suspension for the Democratic Republic of Congo if cooperation does not improve rapidly. She emphasized that countries must comply with regulations, adding that individuals without the right to remain in the UK must be returned.

These agreements mark the first significant changes under reforms announced last month aimed at making refugee status temporary and accelerating deportations for those entering the UK illegally.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noted that the UK has deported more than 50,000 people without legal status since July last year, representing a 23% increase compared with the previous period, and instructed diplomats to priorities removal operations.