The east African country has ‘refused’ to accept the return of its criminals, says Shabana Mahmood
Eritrea could be hit with a complete visa ban unless it agrees to the return of more small boat migrants and convicted criminals, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says.
The east African country had refused to co-operate with the return of its nationals, she told the Telegraph.
Other nations could face similar visa restrictions if they fail to accept migrant returns, she added.
“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,” Ms Mahmood said.
“My message to the Eritrean government is simple: take back your nationals or face a complete ban on your citizens entering the UK.
“I will not hesitate to impose further measures on other countries refusing to cooperate.”
Eritrean diplomats in the UK have had their fast-track visa access stripped, the Telegraph also reported.
They face restrictions on their movements outside London without the permission of the Foreign Office.
The move follows similar threats of visa sanctions against Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2025.
Angola and Namibia subsequently agreed to co-operate with demands on migrant returns following the warnings.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faced visa restrictions before reaching an agreement with the UK in February.
In March, ministers placed an emergency brake on visas for nationals from four countries after the Home Secretary accused them of exploiting Britain’s generosity to claim asylum.
Study visas for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan were halted, while work visas for Afghans were halted too.