OMM Newsroom
The UK has threatened to ban all Eritrean nationals from entering the country unless Eritrea agrees to accept the return of more of its citizens who arrive by small boat or have been convicted of crimes, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on Thursday.
According to the UK government, Eritrean diplomats will face restrictions on their movements outside London from Thursday, while fast-track visas for senior officials and other VIPs will be suspended.
Under the measures, Eritrean diplomats will need permission to travel more than 60 kilometres (37 miles) from London. The Home Office said the restrictions mirror those imposed on British officials in Eritrea’s capital, Asmara.
Mahmood told “The Telegraph” that Eritrea had repeatedly refused to cooperate with the return of people convicted of crimes or with no legal right to remain in the UK.
“Eritrea has had every chance to accept the return of criminals and those with no right to be in the UK. Unlike other countries, it has refused,” she said, adding that she would consider further measures against countries that do not cooperate.
The UK government accused Eritrean authorities of abruptly ending cooperation earlier this year. London has previously threatened visa restrictions to press other countries to accept the return of their nationals.
Eritreans were the largest nationality group among small-boat arrivals in the UK in the 12 months to June, making up 18% of arrivals, according to figures cited by the House of Commons Library.
Eritrea, a one-party state, has seen many young people try to leave the country to escape military conscription, which can last for decades.
Earlier this year, the UK threatened visa restrictions against Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Restrictions imposed on the Congo last year were lifted after cooperation on returns improved, the Home Office said. Angola and Namibia agreed to changes before the threatened restrictions were introduced.
In November, Mahmood announced plans to reform the UK asylum system, warning that visa penalties would be imposed on countries that failed to cooperate with the return of their nationals.
The proposed measures included an “emergency brake” on visas for countries with high numbers of asylum claims. It would remain in place until those countries agreed to take back citizens living in the UK illegally.
