The United Kingdom and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are embroiled in a diplomatic row over London’s new policy on returning undocumented migrants and individuals convicted of crimes. The UK’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmoud, has announced that the DRC will no longer receive fast-track visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs and government officials due to Kinshasa’s alleged refusal to cooperate with the policy.

This move is part of a broader immigration reform effort introduced by Mahmoud last month, aiming to curb the influx of irregular migrants to the UK. The reforms include making asylum status temporary, expediting deportation for undocumented migrants, and introducing stricter requirements for asylum seekers. Asylum applications will be reviewed every 30 months, and individuals will be required to return to their home countries once they are deemed safe. Furthermore, asylum seekers will have to wait 20 years before applying for permanent residency, a significant increase from the current five-year wait.

According to official figures, UK asylum applications have reached a record high, with over 100,000 people seeking to remain in the country in the year to June 2025. The UK government has praised countries like Namibia and Angola for agreeing to cooperate with the new policy, while criticizing the DRC for its alleged lack of cooperation. Mahmoud has warned that the UK may block visas for all Congolese citizens unless Kinshasa steps up its cooperation.

The immigration reforms have been met with criticism from government opponents, who argue that the measures are overly restrictive and may undermine the UK’s commitment to protecting refugees. The UK government, however, maintains that the reforms are necessary to secure its borders and ensure the efficient removal of individuals with no right to remain in the country. As the diplomatic row between the UK and the DRC continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what implications it may have for bilateral relations and regional migration dynamics.