UK threatens visa bans for Eritrea over migrant return policy
The UK government has threatened visa sanctions against Eritrean diplomats due to the country's refusal to accept the return of migrants and offenders. This move follows a trend of using diplomatic pressure to manage small boat arrivals.
Why it matters
It reflects the UK's aggressive immigration policy and the diplomatic challenges of enforcing deportation agreements with foreign nations.
Image source, Getty Images By Nick Eardley , Political correspondent and Vicky Wong Published 14 October 2026 Updated 12 minutes ago 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.
Eritreans were the most common nationality among small boats migrants in the 12 months to June - accounting for 18% of arrivals , external , according to figures from the House of Commons Library.
The Eritrean embassy in London has been contacted for comment.
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