UK imposes visa curbs on Congo over illegal immigration

LONDON: The UK has decided to impose visa restrictions on the Republic of Congo over its failure to return illegal immigrants.

According to international media reports, the UK has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo, accusing its government of failing to cooperate with its new policy on the return of undocumented immigrants and those who have committed criminal offences.

British media say that Congolese politicians will not be given UK visas on a priority basis, while Angola and Namibia have agreed to increase cooperation with the UK, while warning of sanctions against Congo.

The UK Home Office announced these measures in a statement, also saying that Angola and Namibia have agreed to step up efforts to repatriate their citizens.

Last month, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Shabana Mahmood, set out the reforms to make refugee status temporary and speed up the deportation of those who arrive in the UK without documents.