UK threatens Eritrea over migrant returns
Britain has threatened to ban Eritreans from entering the country if the war-torn African country does not accept more migrants from small boats, reports BritPanorama.
Eritrean diplomats could face visa revocations and strict restrictions on their movements as part of the government’s crackdown on migrant arrivals.
The ultimatum comes after Eritrea was identified as the leading nationality for small boat migrants to the UK in the 12 months leading to June, accounting for nearly one in five arrivals.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged the Eritrean government to take back their nationals or confront a hardline visa ban. She reiterated, “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. I will not hesitate to impose further measures on other countries refusing to co-operate.”
This warning follows numerous attempts by the UK to resolve the migrant crisis with Eritrean officials, particularly after Eritrea withdrew its cooperation earlier this year.
While the number of migrants crossing into Britain via small boat has decreased by 41 percent compared to last year, a notable 20,478 individuals still made the perilous journey from France.
Figures indicate that as many as one migrant crossed the Channel every six minutes during the first week of October, with nearly 1,739 individuals arriving in just one week, averaging more than ten per hour.
Labour has accused the Eritrean authorities of abruptly ceasing collaboration, complicating efforts to manage the ongoing situation.
The escalating diplomatic tension reflects broader challenges within the UK’s immigration policies and its attempts to balance humanitarian considerations with national security.
