The UK is set to introduce Donald Trump-style visa sanctions on three countries in the biggest overhaul of asylum since World War Two. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce the reforms on Monday (November 17) which are set to make refugee status temporary.
It is being reported that migrants from Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo will be blocked from entering the UK if their governments do not improve co-operation on removals. They have refused to take back over 4,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals who are in Britain.
As reported by the Sunday Times, Ms Mahmood wrote to the African countries' embassies, in London, on Thursday (November 13). The Home Office said the nations were the most “obstructive” in refusing to take back citizens while India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Somalia and Gabon also showed resistance.
Ms Mahmood said: “In Britain, we play by the rules. When I said there would be penalties for countries that do not take back criminals and illegal immigrants, I meant it. My message to foreign governments today is clear: accept the return of your citizens or lose the privilege of entering our country.”
She is reportedly inspired by US President Donald Trump who issued visa bans on African and Eastern Asian nations during his first term in the White House. Meanwhile, the Conservative government passed plans to deploy bans under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 but they were never implemented.
Ms Mahmood is also expected to announce a change which will see refugee's status reviewed every two-and-a-half years during a 20 year period before they can apply for permanent residency. The policy has been inspired by Denmark where refugees are given temporary residence permits.
The Home Secretary has pledged to reform the current system with changes aimed at making the UK a less attractive place for illegal migrants to come. The Home Office said the status of asylum seekers will be “regularly reviewed and revoked if their home country is safe to return to again”.
Those who want to settle sooner will “require people to work or study”. The proposals will also outline which crimes disqualify migrants from being in the UK and include rules on family reunions.