UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy

The UK is imposing visa restrictions on people from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) because the DRC government has not cooperated with the UK's efforts to return illegal migrants and foreign national offenders. The restrictions include ending fast-track visa processes and preferential treatment for VIPs and politicians. This action follows the UK's toughening of asylum rules announced in November. Angola and Namibia, also threatened with sanctions, have agreed to improve their processes for taking back their citizens. The UK government has warned it will not hesitate to ban visas for other countries refusing to cooperate with returns. These agreements with Angola and Namibia are considered the first success of the new asylum reforms, potentially leading to thousands of removals and deportations.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories