UK threatens total visa ban for Eritrean nationals over deportation standoff

UK threatens total visa ban for Eritrean nationals over deportation standoff

Diplomats from the country must now seek permission from the Home Office before travelling more than 60 kilometres outside London, while fast-track visa services for senior officials and other VIPs have been suspended.

The United Kingdom (UK) has threatened to stop issuing visas to all Eritrean nationals unless the country agrees to take back citizens who have been denied asylum or convicted of crimes in Britain.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the directive on Thursday, alongside new restrictions on Eritrean officials. Diplomats from the country must now seek permission from the Home Office before travelling more than 60 kilometres outside London, while fast-track visa services for senior officials and other VIPs have been suspended.

In a post on X, Shabana said Eritrea had been given several chances to accept the return of its citizens but had refused to cooperate. The UK wants Eritrea to resume an agreement on returning its citizens that was in place from 2024 until March 2026, when Eritrea stopped cooperating with the process, according to the British government.

“My message to the Eritrean government is simple: take back your nationals or face a complete ban on your citizens entering the UK,” she said.

The development comes amid concerns over foreign nationals convicted of crimes who remain in Britain after serving prison sentences. In September, an Eritrean man was convicted of raping a woman after previously serving a five-year sentence for attempted rape. He had not been deported following his earlier conviction.

Shabana’s threat follows similar action against three other African countries. Angola and Namibia agreed to improve cooperation with Britain on deportations in December 2025 after Shabana threatened visa restrictions. In February this year, the British government announced that all three countries had agreed to accept the return of citizens who had no right to remain in the UK.

Latest Stories

• African countries could save billions by cutting air pollution and greenhouse gases at the same time
• Nominated Senator Crystal Asige joins Winnie Odinga and Jalang’o in Nairobi Senate race
• Tusker FC suffer home defeat as Singida strike puts CAF Confederation Cup hopes at risk
• Ecuadorian priest dies after giant wooden crucifix crashes down on him during live-streamed Mass

The British government is now seeking a similar agreement with Eritrea, where thousands of people have arrived in the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats. Home Office figures show that 5,875 Eritreans arrived in Britain by small boat in the year ending June 2026, the highest number recorded for any nationality using the route. Of the Eritreans who applied for asylum and received an initial decision during the period, 84 per cent were granted protection.

According to Shabana, the UK could take further action against other countries that refuse to accept the return of their citizens.

“I will not hesitate to impose further measures on other countries refusing to co-operate,” she said.