Eritrea faces UK visa ban threat over migrant returns

Britain warned Eritrea on Thursday that it could face a complete visa ban unless it agrees to accept the return of more of its nationals.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she wanted Eritrea to accept the repatriation of convicted criminals and irregular migrants to the east African country.

“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,” Mahmood said. “Take back your nationals or face a complete ban on your citizens entering the UK.”

The Home Office said Eritreans were the most common nationality arriving by small boat in the year ending June 2026. It accused Eritrea of abruptly withdrawing returns cooperation earlier this year.

Mahmood said she would “not hesitate” to act against other countries that refused to cooperate on returns.

Britain previously used visa restrictions to press other countries on migrant returns. In December 2025, the UK revoked fast-track visa processing for Congolese nationals and preferential visa treatment for Congolese VIPs and decision makers. The Home Office said in February that the Democratic Republic of Congo had agreed to take back irregular immigrants.

The UK also threatened visa restrictions against Namibia and Angola last year, prompting those countries to accept returns in December.

Immigration, including undocumented asylum seekers crossing the English Channel by small boat from northern France, has become a major political issue in Britain. Official data released in August showed the UK granted 679,000 work, study or family visas in the year to June 2026. A further 25,000 people arrived by legal routes, while 33,000 arrived without documents by small boat.