The United Kingdom is preparing to repatriate illegal migrants and foreign criminals to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after securing cooperation from the three governments.
Angola and Namibia had earlier agreed to accept the return of their nationals following warnings from Britain over possible visa sanctions. The DRC, however, stalled cooperation efforts from late 2025, prompting tougher measures from the UK.
In response, Britain removed preferential visa treatment for Congolese officials and VIPs and scrapped fast-track visa processing for all DRC nationals. UK authorities say the move was aimed at compelling compliance on returns.
The government said the eventual agreement by the three countries demonstrated the effectiveness of its visa restrictions and the migration reforms announced last November.
Officials stressed that countries unwilling to cooperate on returns should not expect normal visa relations, adding that further measures could be taken against other non-compliant states.
“If foreign governments refuse to accept the return of their citizens, they will face consequences,” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said, pledging to restore control and order at the UK’s borders.
More than 3,000 nationals from Angola, Namibia, and the DRC are believed to be eligible for removal through scheduled deportation flights.
According to Home Office figures, at least 58,500 people have been deported since the Labour Party took office in July 2024.
