Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warns that the UK could suspend all visas for nationals of Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless their governments improve cooperation on deportation.
This will be a dramatic escalation forming the centrepiece of her new asylum overhaul.
Mahmood will issue the ultimatum as she announces the most significant shake-up of the UK’s asylum and immigration system in years, including fast-track deportations, tougher settlement rules and major changes to how human rights protections are applied.
A senior Home Office source said the three African nations have shown “unacceptably low cooperation” in accepting nationals who have been refused asylum or convicted of crimes in the UK.
Mahmood is expected to tell MPs that continued obstruction could trigger a full visa suspension, affecting students, workers, tourists and family visitors.
The move signals a sharp shift from previous UK policy, placing diplomatic pressure on governments directly linked to high numbers of unresolved cases.
Mahmood believes the tougher stance is essential to reduce irregular arrivals and speed removals.
Her intervention comes as asylum applications hit 111,000 in the year to June 2025 and the appeals backlog exceeds 50,000.
Fast-Track Deportation System
At the core of the reforms is a new fast-track system modelled on Denmark’s approach. An independent body will triage cases, giving priority to deporting foreign offenders and applicants judged unlikely to succeed.
The measures are: One consolidated appeal only; failed applicants will be removed with no further legal challenge; regular reviews of refugees’ status every 2.5 years.
Anyone granted protection could be returned home if conditions are later deemed safe.
However, Ministers say the changes will allow the expansion of “safe and legal” refugee routes via work and study visas.
In recent time, refugees will now need to live in the UK for 20 years before qualifying for permanent residency, quadruple the current requirement.
As there will be no guaranteed accommodation or weekly allowances.
Applicants must use personal savings and valuables excluding sentimental jewellery to contribute to housing costs.
Mahmood has defended the overhaul as a moral mission, saying illegal migration is “tearing our country apart” and that restoring order is essential to maintain public support for helping genuine refugees.
