Britain has threatened a complete visa ban on Eritrean citizens unless their government cooperates with migrant returns. Restrictions on Eritrean diplomats are also being introduced. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s warning increases pressure over the return of small-boat migrants and foreign offenders, while a blanket visa prohibition remains conditional.
Britain’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has threatened a complete visa ban on Eritrean citizens unless Eritrea cooperates in taking back its nationals. Her warning covers the return of small-boat migrants and foreign national offenders.[1], [2]
Mahmood says Eritrea has refused to accept returns. The BBC sought a response from the Eritrean embassy, but no embassy response appeared in its account.[1]
From Thursday, Eritrean diplomats need Foreign Office permission to travel more than 60 kilometres outside London, and their fast-track visa access is being removed. Britain says the travel rule mirrors restrictions on its diplomats in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital. A complete ban on visas for Eritrean citizens remains conditional on the dispute over returns.[1]
Britain previously issued similar warnings to Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Angola and Namibia agreed to cooperate, while restrictions on Congo were later lifted after cooperation improved. The BBC says Eritrea withdrew cooperation earlier this year. Mahmood also warned that other governments refusing returns could face further measures.[1]
