UK introduces new visa restrictions for Democratic Republic of Congo nationals

The United Kingdom has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to allegations of non-cooperation with its new policy on the return of undocumented migrants and those who commit criminal offenses. The Home Office announced this move in a statement on Saturday.

As part of the reforms unveiled by Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood, the UK has agreed with Angola and Namibia to step up efforts to take back their citizens. These agreements mark the first major change under sweeping reforms aimed at making refugee status temporary and speeding up the deportation of those who arrive without documents in the UK.

The DRC has been stripped of fast-track visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision-makers due to its alleged failure to meet the UK’s requirements for cooperation. The Home Office stated that the country must take back its citizens if they have no right to be in the UK.

Angola and Namibia have agreed to increase their efforts to repatriate their citizens, according to the Home Office. Secretary of State Mahmood emphasized the importance of countries adhering to international agreements, stating that those who do not cooperate with deportation efforts will face consequences.

The reforms also include drastic cuts to protections for refugees and their children, aiming to reduce irregular migrant arrivals. The UK has seen a significant increase in asylum claims this year, with over 39,000 people arriving on small boats from France. The government aims to discourage refugees and asylum seekers from crossing the English Channel using Denmark’s strict asylum system as a model.

The reforms have been met with criticism from various quarters, including former adviser Mark Davies and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. However, no immediate comment has been received from the DRC, Angola, or Namibia.

Source: Al Jazeera