Illegal immigrants to be sent back to Namibia, Angola and DRC

Birmingham MP and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has secured agreements to deport illegal migrants and criminals from three African nations in what some see as a boost for West Midlands communities affected by immigration pressures.

The deals with Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) come just weeks after Mahmood threatened visa penalties, including stripping VIPs of preferential treatment and revoking fast-track processing for all nationals from these countries.

Deportation flights are already under way. This marks a key success in the Home Secretary’s November reforms aimed at restoring order to the UK’s immigration system.

More than 3,000 nationals from these countries could now be eligible for removal, adding to the record 58,500 people deported or removed since the government took power.

‘I will do what it takes to restore order’

Mahmood said: “My message is clear, if foreign governments refuse to accept the return of their citizens, then they will face consequences. 

“Illegal migrants and dangerous criminals will now be removed and deported back to Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. I will do what it takes to restore order and control to our borders.”

While these nations are now cooperating, others continue to frustrate the process by refusing to accept their citizens back. 

Mahmood said non-cooperative governments cannot expect normal visa relations, with further penalties anticipated.

The approach aligns with the Prime Minister’s call for a more transactional stance, pulling all levers to control borders and ramp up removals.

The reforms aim to eliminate incentives for illegal migration and enhance enforcement.