The UK just strong-armed two countries into taking their people back. Namibia and Angola agreed to accept the return of illegal migrants and criminals from the United Kingdom. This deal came after the UK government threatened to slap a visa ban on both nations, along with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UK's Home Office called this its first win from recent asylum policy changes.
Officials had complained that returns to these countries were being blocked by slow or obstructive paperwork. They warned Angola, Namibia, and the DRC about their poor cooperation last month. While Namibia and Angola caved to the pressure, the DRC did not make a similar agreement. Because of that failure, the UK is now moving forward with visa restrictions targeting travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Home Office stated the core issue was governments letting people veto their own removal by requiring signatures or not processing documents.
Officials had complained that returns to these countries were being blocked by slow or obstructive paperwork. They warned Angola, Namibia, and the DRC about their poor cooperation last month. While Namibia and Angola caved to the pressure, the DRC did not make a similar agreement. Because of that failure, the UK is now moving forward with visa restrictions targeting travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Home Office stated the core issue was governments letting people veto their own removal by requiring signatures or not processing documents.
