The United Kingdom has announced plans to restrict visas for nationals from three African countries accused of not cooperating with the deportation of illegal immigrants. British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has given Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo a one-month ultimatum to improve the situation before all tourist and VIP visas are blocked. This move is part of a broader immigration reform package aimed at reducing the number of migrants arriving in the UK.

According to the UK government, thousands of nationals from these countries are living in the country illegally after their asylum applications were rejected. Mahmood has warned that the policy could be extended to other countries with high rates of asylum claims from individuals who enter the UK legally. The Home Secretary emphasized that foreign governments must accept the return of their nationals or face losing the privilege of entering the UK.

The immigration reform package, set to be presented to parliament, includes measures to reduce the number of migrants arriving on small boats from France. This issue has been fueling the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK. The proposed changes include increasing the time asylum seekers must wait before settling permanently in the UK from five to 20 years, with their situation reviewed every two-and-a-half years to assess whether it is safe for them to return home.

Other measures include the removal of asylum seekers’ automatic access to social benefits and a requirement for those with assets to contribute to the cost of their accommodation. The government also plans to pass a law regulating appeals to the European Convention on Human Rights, which would speed up deportations. Almost 40,000 people have arrived in the UK on small boats since the start of the year, an increase from the previous year.

The UK government’s move is seen as an effort to address the growing concern over immigration and border control. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the asylum process, reduce the number of illegal immigrants, and ensure that those who are not eligible to stay in the UK are returned to their countries of origin. The situation will be closely monitored, and the UK government may take further action if the desired results are not achieved.