Overview
- The Home Office revoked fast‑track visa services for all Democratic Republic of the Congo nationals and ended preferential treatment for VIPs and decision‑makers.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned further measures up to a complete halt on visas could follow if DRC cooperation on returns does not improve.
- Angola and Namibia agreed to expedite processes to accept deported nationals, which the government described as the first delivery success of the new reforms.
- Ministers highlighted nearly 50,000 removals since July 2024, including over 7,000 foreign national offenders, as diplomats are directed to prioritize returns.
- Officials note the three targeted countries account for a very small share of UK visas and irregular arrivals, while refugee advocates have criticized the approach.