In a hard-line move foreshadowed in the White Paper, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo 30 days to accept the return of their nationals or face a total suspension of tourist, VIP and business visas. The three countries account for only 0.09 % of UK visas issued last year, yet officials say thousands of their citizens remain unlawfully after exhausting appeals.
The sanctions mirror powers first used against Nigeria and Eritrea in 2023 under Conservative ministers but go further by threatening a complete visa blackout rather than surcharge hikes. The policy is popular with voters—YouGov polling last week showed 67 % support—but diplomats in Luanda and Kinshasa warned it could jeopardise trade talks on green-energy investment.
![UK Threatens Visa Bans on Angola, Namibia and DR Congo Over Deportation Row]()
For UK-based multinationals the direct HR impact is limited—Home Office data show just 712 visas were issued to the three countries in the year to June 2025—but supply-chain managers should note potential knock-on effects for oil-field engineers, mining consultants and NGO staff who shuttle between the UK and southern Africa.
If enforced, the ban would compel affected employees to route travel via third countries or apply for short-term service provider visas in the EU, adding cost and delay. Employers should start contingency planning, including identifying dual nationals and reviewing remote-work policies.
The Home Office maintains the measure could be extended to other ‘non-cooperative’ states. Mobility teams should watch the returns-cooperation league table that will be published quarterly from January 2026.
The sanctions mirror powers first used against Nigeria and Eritrea in 2023 under Conservative ministers but go further by threatening a complete visa blackout rather than surcharge hikes. The policy is popular with voters—YouGov polling last week showed 67 % support—but diplomats in Luanda and Kinshasa warned it could jeopardise trade talks on green-energy investment.
For UK-based multinationals the direct HR impact is limited—Home Office data show just 712 visas were issued to the three countries in the year to June 2025—but supply-chain managers should note potential knock-on effects for oil-field engineers, mining consultants and NGO staff who shuttle between the UK and southern Africa.
If enforced, the ban would compel affected employees to route travel via third countries or apply for short-term service provider visas in the EU, adding cost and delay. Employers should start contingency planning, including identifying dual nationals and reviewing remote-work policies.
The Home Office maintains the measure could be extended to other ‘non-cooperative’ states. Mobility teams should watch the returns-cooperation league table that will be published quarterly from January 2026.
