UK threatens to ban Eritreans over migrant return policy - BBC
The UK Home Secretary has threatened to ban Eritrean nationals from entering the country unless the Eritrean government cooperates with the return of small boat migrants and foreign offenders. Eritrea has dismissed the threat as a political gimmick, while the UK maintains that the country has failed to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Why it matters
This move reflects the UK's increasingly aggressive diplomatic strategy to manage migration and enforce deportation policies through visa restrictions.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Nick Eardley , Political correspondent and Vicky Wong Getty Images Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has threatened to ban all Eritreans from entering the UK if the east African country's government does not accept more returns of small boat migrants and foreign national offenders.
From Thursday, Eritrean diplomats will face restrictions on their movement outside London. Fast-track visas will also be stopped for VIPs.
Ministers have previously pressured other countries into accepting returns by threatening visa bans.
Eritrea branded the move a "perfunctory political gimmick", saying the UK had not issued a single visa to an Eritrean official since 2023, which the Home Office denies.
The country's embassy in London also accused the UK of refusing to engage in "meaningful and appropriate dialogue".
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