The United Kingdom has announced fresh visa restrictions targeting nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), citing what it described as inadequate co-operation in accepting the return of irregular migrants.
According to a statement released late on Saturday by the UK interior ministry, tougher actions, including a possible full suspension of visas, could be implemented if the level of co-operation does not “rapidly improve”.
Under the new measures, senior officials and influential figures from DR Congo will no longer enjoy preferential visa treatment, while expedited visa processing has been withdrawn for all Congolese applicants.
The decision follows warnings issued in November by Britain’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who cautioned DR Congo, Angola and Namibia that visa sanctions would be imposed if they failed to co-operate in the repatriation of undocumented migrants.
The interior ministry said the three countries had “continually frustrated” UK efforts to deport thousands of illegal migrants and individuals with criminal records.
It accused them of maintaining “unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes”, including refusing to process necessary documents and insisting that individuals approve their own paperwork — a requirement the UK says allows deportees to block their removal.
However, the ministry noted that Angola and Namibia have since committed “to improve their processes” and to accept the return of “illegal migrants and criminals”. As a result, both countries have been spared the new visa restrictions.
While acknowledging some recent engagement from DR Congo, Mahmood stressed that more decisive action was required.
“If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back,” she 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. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.”
The visa clampdown forms part of a broader set of immigration reforms unveiled by Mahmood in November, aimed at tightening Britain’s asylum and migration system.
UK imposes visa restrictions on DR Congo over migrant returns
