The United Kingdom has issued a stern warning to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, stating that it will impose visa sanctions unless the three countries significantly improve cooperation on the repatriation of their nationals who are in Britain illegally or have committed crimes.
In a statement released by the Home Office on Monday morning, the British government accused the three African nations of maintaining “unacceptably low cooperation” and employing “obstructive” practices that have hindered the return of failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders.
Home Office Minister Alex Norris told broadcasters that the countries have been given a one-month deadline to demonstrate substantial improvement, after which visa processing for their citizens could be suspended or severely restricted.
The announcement comes just hours before Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is scheduled to unveil what the government describes as the most far-reaching overhaul of Britain’s asylum and immigration system in decades.
Key elements of the planned reforms include:
– An “emergency brake” allowing ministers to temporarily halt visa issuance from countries generating high volumes of asylum claims, even when entrants arrive through legal channels.
– The complete removal of automatic access to welfare benefits for new asylum seekers.
– Reduction of standard refugee protection from five years to just 30 months, with status subject to frequent review.
– Extension of the qualifying period for permanent residency (indefinite leave to remain) from five years to 20 years for those granted refugee status.
– A commitment to return refugees to their country of origin as soon as the Home Office deems it safe to do so.
The measures draw inspiration from Denmark’s stringent asylum policies and represent a marked toughening of stance by the Labour government, which has faced intense pressure over record levels of small-boat crossings in the English Channel and the growing popularity of the anti-immigration Reform UK party in opinion polls.
Immigration has emerged as one of the most polarizing issues in British politics, with public frustration over backlogs, hotel accommodation costs for asylum seekers, and perceived leniency fueling support for harder-line approaches.
Charities and some Labour backbench MPs have criticized the shortening of refugee protection periods, warning that it risks creating prolonged uncertainty for individuals fleeing war and persecution.
However, ministers insist the changes are necessary to restore public confidence in the system and deter abuse.
The government has indicated that further countries could face similar visa penalties if they continue to refuse or delay repatriation agreements.
Despite a rise in overall asylum applications, official statistics show that the proportion of claims granted at initial decision stage has fallen compared to the previous year, while large-scale humanitarian visa programs for Ukrainians, Afghans, and Hong Kongers continue separately from the standard asylum route.
The Home Secretary’s full statement and detailed policy paper are expected later today.
