UK Threatens Visa Bans on Eritrea Over Migrant Returns

The United Kingdom has threatened to impose visa bans on Eritrea, accusing the East African nation's government of refusing to accept the return of its citizens who have entered the UK illegally or committed offenses. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced on Thursday that Eritrean diplomats will face restrictions on their movement outside of London, and fast-track visas for VIPs will be halted.

"Eritrea has had every chance to accept the return of criminals and those with no right to be in the UK. Unlike other countries, it has refused," Mahmood stated. She added that she would not hesitate to implement further measures against other countries that fail to cooperate with return policies.

The UK government previously accused Eritrean authorities of withdrawing cooperation earlier in the year. The new restrictions mean Eritrean diplomats are prohibited from traveling more than 60 kilometers outside London without prior permission, mirroring restrictions imposed on British officials in Eritrea's capital, Asmara.

Eritreans constituted the largest nationality among migrants arriving in the UK via small boats in the 12 months leading up to June, accounting for 18% of arrivals, according to figures from the House of Commons Library. This action follows similar threats made by the UK against other nations, including Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in attempts to secure agreements on migrant returns. Restrictions were previously enacted against the DRC, but were later lifted following improved cooperation on returns. Angola and Namibia reportedly made changes to their policies before formal restrictions were introduced.

In November, Mahmood outlined changes to the UK's asylum system, which included the application of visa penalties for countries that do not cooperate with return policies. These penalties can involve an "emergency brake" on visas for nations with high numbers of asylum claims until they agree to take back their citizens residing in the UK without legal status.

Data from the Home Office indicates that over 20,400 individuals have arrived in the UK by small boats this year, a 40% decrease compared to the same period last year. In the 12 months from July 2025 to June of this year, the UK facilitated more than 40,600 returns and deportations, an 8% increase from the previous year. Of those returned, fewer than 6,000 had been convicted of a criminal offense.