Eritrea could face a complete visa ban unless it agrees to the return of more small boat migrants and convicted criminals, according to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The east African nation has reportedly refused to cooperate with the repatriation of its nationals, she told the Telegraph.
Mahmood indicated that other countries could also encounter similar visa restrictions if they fail to accept migrant returns. “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,” Ms Mahmood stated.
She added, “My message to the Eritrean government is simple: take back your nationals or face a complete ban on your citizens entering the UK.” The Home Secretary further warned that she would not hesitate to impose additional measures on any other countries that refuse to cooperate.
Following the recent escalation, Eritrean diplomats in the UK are now stripped of their fast-track visa access and face restrictions on their movements outside London without prior permission from the Foreign Office. This action is a part of wider efforts from the UK government, as similar threats of visa sanctions were made against Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2025. Angola and Namibia complied with the UK’s demands after receiving warnings.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ultimately capitulated after key decision-makers lost their preferential visa treatment and the fast-track visa process for DRC nationals was revoked. The Home Office reported that an agreement was reached in February, allowing for the removal of more than 3,000 nationals from those three countries.
In March, the government implemented an emergency halt on visas for certain nationals, accusing them of exploiting Britain’s asylum system. This included halting study visas for individuals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. Moreover, between June 2025 and June 2026, 6,952 Eritrean asylum seekers arrived in the UK, marking the second highest number from any nationality, behind Pakistan. Notably, Eritrea also recorded a high asylum approval rating of 84%, second only to Sudan.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the UK and Eritrea regarding immigration and asylum policies, raising questions about the future of bilateral relations amidst migration challenges, reports BritPanorama.
