UK Restricts Eritrean Diplomats Over Returns, Threatens Visa Ban on 18% of Small-Boat Arrivals
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 14
UK Restricts Eritrean Diplomats Over Returns, Threatens Visa Ban on 18% of Small-Boat Arrivals
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Oct 14
Summary
From Thursday, Eritrean diplomats must seek permission to travel more than 60km outside London, and the UK will halt fast-track visas for VIPs.
Shabana Mahmood said Eritrea had refused to take back criminals and people with no right to stay, after British officials said Asmara abruptly ended cooperation earlier this year.
Eritreans made up 18% of small-boat arrivals in the 12 months to June, the largest national group, even as total crossings this year have fallen 40% to just over 20,400.
London said the travel curbs mirror restrictions on British officials in Asmara and warned it could ban Eritrean nationals from entering the UK if returns do not resume.
The move fits a wider returns strategy: the UK lifted earlier restrictions on Congo after cooperation improved, while Angola and Namibia changed course before penalties took effect.