UK Secures Migrant Return Deals with 3 Three African nations have agreed to take back migrants with no legal right to remain in the UK following pressure from the Home Office, including the threat of visa restrictions.
Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed cooperation with the UK on the return of foreign national offenders, failed asylum seekers and people who have overstayed their visas.
The Home Office said the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed to the deal after preferential visa access for senior officials and decision-makers was removed. Fast-track visa routes for DRC nationals were also withdrawn as part of the measures.
Visa penalties were also prepared for Namibia and Angola, but both countries agreed to cooperate before the restrictions were formally introduced.
Government estimates suggest more than 3,000 nationals from the three countries could now be removed from the UK as a result of the agreements. The Home Office said the move strengthens the UK’s ability to enforce immigration rules and return people who have no legal right to remain.
The Home Office has also confirmed that more than 58,500 foreign criminals and migrants without legal status have been removed or deported since Labour entered government in 2024.
The announcement comes as the Home Secretary prepares to introduce major reforms to the UK’s permanent settlement system. The Home Office is consulting on proposals to significantly extend the time migrants must wait before qualifying for indefinite leave to remain.
Under the plans, a new 10-year standard wait would be introduced, with a 15-year baseline for care workers and a 20-year wait for refugees. The length of time required would be linked to income levels, English language ability, criminal records and whether individuals have claimed benefits.
The changes would be applied retroactively, meaning migrants who do not already hold indefinite leave to remain would be affected by the new rules.
The proposals, which are expected to be implemented in April, have triggered criticism from Labour backbench MPs. Several have raised concerns in Parliament, arguing the reforms are unfair to migrants who entered the UK under previous rules.
The Home Office has defended the plans, saying they are needed to respond to historically high levels of migration in recent years and to restore control and fairness to the settlement system.