UK to repatriate illegal migrants and criminals to Namibia, Angola and DRC after visa sanctions forced cooperation

The United Kingdom has announced plans to repatriate “illegal migrants and criminals” from Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after securing the cooperation of the three African governments.

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British authorities said the breakthrough followed months of diplomatic pressure, including visa sanctions imposed on countries that initially refused to accept the return of their nationals.

Namibia and Angola had earlier agreed to the repatriation arrangement after the UK threatened visa restrictions, while coordination with the Democratic Republic of Congo stalled from late 2025.

To compel compliance, the UK government stripped DRC officials and other VIPs of preferential visa treatment and revoked fast-track visa processing for Congolese nationals.

According to the UK government, the eventual agreement by the three countries demonstrated the effectiveness of visa restrictions introduced under immigration reforms announced in November.

“The decision of these nations to take back their people proves that our reforms and visa measures are working,” the UK said, adding that countries unwilling to cooperate “cannot expect a normal visa relationship” with Britain.

The Home Office warned that further sanctions could be imposed on other countries deemed uncooperative.

“If foreign governments refuse to accept the return of their citizens, they will face consequences,” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said, pledging to restore order and control to the UK’s borders.

British authorities said more than 3,000 nationals from Angola, Namibia and the DRC could be eligible for removal through scheduled deportation flights.

According to figures released by the Home Office, at least 58,500 people have been deported since the Labour Party assumed office in July 2024.

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The UK government said the policy forms part of its broader strategy to tighten immigration controls and deter illegal migration, while reinforcing accountability among partner countries.