UK threatens to ban Eritreans over migrant return policy
By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent The United Kingdom’s Home Office, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, has threatened to ban all Eritreans from entering the country if the East African government does not accept more returns of small boat migrants and foreign national offenders. The diplomatic escalation began on Thursday as Eritrean diplomats […]
The United Kingdom's Home Office, under the leadership of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, has issued an ultimatum to the Eritrean government regarding its migrant return policy. This threat of banning all Eritreans from entering the country came into play if the Eritrean authorities do not accept more returns of small boat migrants and foreign national offenders.
The diplomatic tension escalated on Thursday as Eritrean diplomats faced immediate movement restrictions outside London, alongside the suspension of fast-track visas for VIPs. The Home Secretary's move mirrors the restrictions imposed on British officials in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. This diplomatic rift intensified after the UK government accused Eritrean authorities of abruptly withdrawing cooperation earlier this year.
Home Secretary Mahmood reiterated that she would not hesitate to impose further measures on countries refusing to cooperate. However, migration experts question the effectiveness of this strategy, as targeting Eritrea alone is unlikely to significantly impact the overall numbers of asylum seekers.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
