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Eritrea faces UK visa ban threat over migrant returns

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UK warns Eritrea of total visa ban

The UK says Eritrea could lose all visa access unless it takes back its nationals with no right to stay.

What happened

The warning came on October 15

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told Eritrea to take back its nationals or face a complete ban.

What happened

Fast-track visas end for officials

From October 15, fast-track visa processing ended for Eritrean VIPs and officials.

What happened

Diplomats face travel limits

Eritrean diplomats cannot travel more than 60 km past London without permission.

Why now

Eritrea stopped returns co-operation

The UK says Eritrea abruptly stopped returns co-operation earlier this year.

The numbers

Eritreans top small boat arrivals

Eritreans were the top nationality among small boat arrivals in the year to June 2026.

The numbers

5,875 came by small boat

In the year to June 2026, 6,952 Eritrean asylum seekers reached the UK, and 5,875 came by small boat.

Why it matters

A ban would block legal routes

A total ban would block all legal routes for students, workers, visitors, and families.

Why it matters

Asylum claims could still be made

A ban would not end asylum claims. People can still seek asylum after they reach the UK.

The past

The tactic worked on three countries

Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo all improved co-operation after similar threats.

What happens next

Eritrea can still avoid the ban

Eritrea must agree to take back its nationals fast. The UK has not named a date for a full ban.

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