UK Imposes Visa Restrictions on DR Congo Amid Asylum Rule Changes

Sun Dec 28 2025 11:42:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The UK is tightening visa regulations for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo following failed negotiations for the return of illegal migrants. This measure is part of broader reforms to the UK’s asylum policies.

In response to the Democratic Republic of Congo's non-compliance with UK asylum return agreements, the UK government has announced that visa restrictions will be enforced against Congolese nationals. The decision comes after the DRC failed to implement required changes to facilitate the return of illegal migrants. While the UK's Home Office highlights cooperation with Angola and Namibia, the DRC risks further sanctions if it does not comply.

The UK is to impose visa restrictions against people arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo after its government failed to agree to measures allowing the return of illegal migrants and foreign national offenders.

Ministers say the DRC has not made changes required under the toughening up of the UK's asylum rules announced in November.

Fast-track visa processes will no longer apply to people from the country, while the Home Office stated that VIPs and politicians would no longer receive preferential treatment for entry to the UK.

Meanwhile, the Home Office announced that Angola and Namibia have agreed to enhance efforts in repatriating their citizens after being threatened with penalties alongside the DRC.

A government source revealed that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood would not hesitate to ban visas for additional countries that refuse to accept their citizens back.

The Home Office remarked that Angola and Namibia’s partnerships mark the first success from recent asylum reforms. The government warned it would stop granting visas to individuals from these nations if they did not promptly improve cooperation on deportations.

This could lead to thousands of people being removed under the new regulations. The UK’s asylum system overhaul will include the temporary status for refugees, ceasing housing support for asylum seekers, and establishing new capped routes for safe entry into the UK.

During the announcement of these changes, Home Secretary Mahmood emphasized the importance of cooperation and warned that penalties, including visa restrictions, would follow for countries that do not comply with return policies.

The Home Office also indicated that procedures for returns from the DRC, Angola, and Namibia have faced challenges, including delays in processing paperwork, which grants these countries an effective veto over the returns.

The DRC has engaged minimally in discussions, and unless there is a rapid improvement in cooperation, additional measures, including a complete visa ban, could be imposed.

Mahmood stated, We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.