On Monday, November 17, 2025, the United Kingdom warned it could restrict the issuance of tourist and VIP visas to Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing inadequate cooperation in repatriating nationals in irregular situations.
The Home Office, through Secretary of State for Asylum and Border Security Alex Norris, gave these countries a one-month window to improve deportation processes.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised that failure to comply would result in the loss of entry privileges for their citizens. The measure forms part of a broader migration reform aimed at curbing small-boat crossings from northern France and addressing a surge in asylum applications, which rose 18% in 2024.
The proposed reform also targets asylum procedures, including reduced protection for refugees, removal of automatic access to social benefits, and accelerated deportations through legislation aligned with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Since January 1, 2025, 39,292 people have arrived in the UK via small boats, surpassing the 2024 total of 36,816. The Government warns that visa restrictions could extend to other countries with high rates of asylum claims, signalling a stricter stance on irregular immigration as the Labour administration seeks to control inflows and counter the rise of far-right political pressure.
