UK reaches deal with Angola, Namibia on returning illegal migrants

Angola and Namibia have agreed to accept the return of illegal migrants and criminals following warnings from the British government over non-cooperation, the UK Home Office announced.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been stripped of fast-track visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision-makers after failing to meet Britain’s requirements to improve cooperation, the Home Office said, per Reuters.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned that Britain could escalate measures to a complete halt of visas for the DRC unless “co-operation rapidly improves.” “We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back,” she added.

The agreements are the first significant step under reforms announced last month to make refugee status temporary and to accelerate the deportation of individuals arriving illegally in the UK.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper noted that the UK has “removed more than 50,000 people with no right to remain” since July last year, representing a 23% increase from the previous period, and has instructed diplomats to make returns a top priority.

By Khagan Isayev