Three African countries have agreed to accept the return of foreign offenders and migrants without legal status following warnings from the UK home secretary over possible visa restrictions.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood last year said there would be consequences for countries that refuse to cooperate on the return of their nationals.
“My message is clear: if foreign governments refuse to accept the return of their citizens, then they will face consequences,” she said.
Namibia and Angola agreed in December to accept returns, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) now also confirming its cooperation.
The UK government had threatened visa restrictions for Angola, Namibia and the DRC in an effort to secure agreements on the return of foreign offenders and people in the UK illegally.
Ministers said cooperation had previously been hindered by administrative delays and legal requirements, including situations where individuals were required to sign their own paperwork, effectively blocking removals.
The government described the countries’ returns systems as “unacceptably poor and obstructive”.
Read also the related story on New Daily Prime: Mahmood defends tougher UK settlement rules
While setting out changes to the UK’s asylum system in November, Mahmood said visa penalties would be imposed on countries that fail to cooperate with return agreements.
The measures include an “emergency brake” on visas for countries with high numbers of asylum claims.
Following the agreements, Mahmood said: “Illegal migrants and dangerous criminals will now be removed and deported back to Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I will do what it takes to secure order and control at our borders.”
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