UK Announces Migrant Return Agreements With Angola, Namibia, and DRC

On 6 February 2026, the UK Home Office announced that Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had agreed to cooperate on the return of illegal migrants and foreign offenders following recent UK visa penalties.

The agreements followed a visa penalty threat issued by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in December 2025, which included revoking fast-track visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs from the DRC. The Home Office stated that these measures were intended to encourage cooperation on returning nationals who are in the UK without legal status or who have committed criminal offences.

According to the Home Office, the DRC agreed to cooperate on migrant returns after the UK removed certain visa privileges for its officials and decision-makers. Namibia and Angola also agreed to similar cooperation after the UK government announced the potential for further visa restrictions.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that countries refusing to accept the return of their citizens would face consequences. She also said that illegal migrants and dangerous criminals would now be removed and deported back to Angola, Namibia, and the DRC.

What the numbers show

• The Home Office estimated over 3,000 nationals from the three countries could be removed or deported
• The agreements and announcements were made on 6 February 2026
• Visa sanctions against the DRC were first imposed in December 2025

The UK’s action against the DRC marked the first time visa penalties had been used in this context, according to official records. The penalties included the withdrawal of expedited visa processing and special privileges for VIPs and government decision-makers from the DRC.

The Home Office stated that these agreements are part of a broader effort to ensure that foreign nationals who do not have the right to remain in the UK, or who have committed crimes, are returned to their countries of origin. The government indicated that similar measures could be considered for other countries if cooperation is not forthcoming.

According to published information, the agreements with Namibia, Angola, and the DRC are expected to facilitate the removal of individuals who are currently subject to deportation orders or who have been identified as ineligible to remain in the UK.

The Home Office announcement did not specify a timeline for the removals but confirmed that the agreements were reached following the implementation of visa restrictions and diplomatic engagement with the three countries.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.