The UK government has suspended fast-track visa services for nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing a lack of co-operation on the return of failed asylum seekers and foreign offenders.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the measure follows warnings issued in November to the DRC, Angola, and Namibia. While Angola and Namibia improved compliance, the DRC did not.

“We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

She added: “I thank Angola and Namibia and welcome their co-operation. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.” 

Key measures include:

• Suspension of paid priority and super-priority UK visa processing for all DRC nationals.

• Removal of preferential visa treatment for senior officials and VIPs.

• A warning of potential wider visa restrictions if co-operation does not improve.

The sanctions form part of the Labour government’s wider strategy to reduce irregular migration and small-boat crossings. The policy uses powers introduced under 2022 legislation and mirrors similar visa measures used by the United States.

ℹ️ Financial Times

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