UK threatens visa ban on Eritreans over migrant return policy

The UK government has threatened to ban all Eritrean nationals from entering the country unless Eritrea agrees to accept the return of more of its citizens who arrive in the UK by small boats or have been convicted of crimes, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Thursday.

Starting Thursday, Eritrean diplomats will face restrictions on their movements outside London, while fast-track visas for senior officials and other VIPs will be suspended, according to the government.

Under the new measures, Eritrean diplomats will be prohibited from travelling more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) outside London without permission.

The Home Office said the restrictions mirror those imposed on British officials in Eritrea’s capital, Asmara.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mahmood said Eritrea had repeatedly refused to cooperate with the return of individuals who have committed crimes or have no legal right to remain in the UK.

Further measures

“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,” she said, adding that she would consider further measures against countries that refuse to cooperate.

The UK government accused Eritrean authorities of abruptly withdrawing cooperation earlier this year. London has previously used the threat of visa restrictions to pressure other countries into accepting the return of their nationals.

Eritreans were the largest nationality group among small-boat arrivals in the UK in the 12 months to June, accounting for 18% of arrivals, according to figures cited by the House of Commons Library.

The UK government earlier this year threatened visa restrictions against Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Restrictions imposed on the Congo last year were lifted after cooperation on returns improved, according to the Home Office.

Angola and Namibia agreed to changes before the threatened restrictions were introduced.