In a dramatic escalation of the UK's immigration policy, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has issued a Trump-style ultimatum to three African nations: cooperate on taking back migrants or face a comprehensive visa ban for your citizens.
The Visa Ban Threat
The first countries targeted by this hardline approach are Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Should these nations refuse to cooperate, the Home Secretary has warned that tourists, businesspeople, and even VIPs from these countries would be blocked from entering the United Kingdom.
According to reports, Mahmood drew inspiration from US President Trump's homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, in developing this strategy. The announcement came on November 17, 2025, as the Home Secretary prepared to unveil sweeping reforms to Britain's asylum system.
Mahmood stated unequivocally: '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.'
Sweeping Asylum System Overhaul
The visa ban threat forms part of a broader package of reforms described by the Home Office as the most significant changes to the asylum system in modern times. These measures, which have already generated backlash from some Labour MPs, include:
- Reduced support: Government housing and weekly allowances will become discretionary rather than automatic
- Extended qualifying period: Refugees arriving illegally will need to wait 20 years instead of 5 to apply for indefinite leave to remain
- Temporary refugee status: Following Denmark's model, status will become subject to periodic review
- ECH reforms: Changes to how the UK applies articles covering family life and protection from torture
- New legal routes: Capped pathways for work and study to reduce small boat crossings
Additionally, the removal of dangerous criminals will be fast-tracked, and the Home Office plans to introduce an artificial intelligence system to verify asylum seekers' ages.
Criticism and Consequences
The proposed reforms have faced immediate criticism from refugee charities. The Refugee Council estimates the changes could cost £872 million over 10 years and warned they would create 'intense anxiety and uncertainty' for people fleeing persecution.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, drew parallels with the Windrush scandal, stating: 'People who have fled war and persecution will be left in intense anxiety and uncertainty for up to 20 years, which will be the toughest arrangement in Europe.'
He highlighted the potential impact on children settled in British schools, who could be 'uprooted and forcibly removed' despite building lives in the UK.
The Home Secretary's approach mirrors policies that have seen asylum claims in Denmark fall to a 40-year low, with that country deporting 95% of applicants who fail to meet stringent criteria.
As the Commons prepares to debate these landmark changes, the UK appears poised to implement one of the most restrictive asylum systems in Europe, with the visa ban threat representing just one element of this comprehensive policy shift.
