UK Imposes Visa Restrictions on DR Congo Over Migrant Repatriation Dispute

The United Kingdom has introduced visa restrictions on nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing what it described as weak cooperation in accepting the return of undocumented migrants from Britain.

The UK Home Office said the decision followed prolonged frustration over the DRC’s handling of deportation processes, warning that tougher measures , including a possible full suspension of visas , could be enforced if cooperation does not improve swiftly.

Under the new restrictions, Congolese political office holders and senior officials will lose visa privileges previously extended to them, while expedited visa processing has been withdrawn for all DRC citizens.

British Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood had earlier cautioned the DRC, Angola, and Namibia that visa sanctions would follow if they failed to cooperate in repatriating irregular migrants and individuals convicted of crimes. According to the Home Office, the countries had repeatedly delayed deportations through what it termed obstructive administrative practices.

While Angola and Namibia reportedly agreed to revise their return procedures and avoid sanctions, Britain said the DRC had yet to demonstrate sufficient progress, despite recent diplomatic engagements.

Responding to the announcement, Congolese authorities confirmed that talks were ongoing between the DRC’s interior ministry and the UK embassy in Kinshasa. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said both sides were working toward resolving operational concerns and had scheduled further technical discussions.

Muyaya added that migrant returns must be conducted in line with international norms, expressing optimism that an agreement could be reached by the end of January.

The visa sanctions form part of broader asylum and immigration reforms introduced by the UK government amid rising political pressure over migration, an issue that has increasingly shaped public debate and electoral sentiment across the country.