“Home Secretary says UK will ban visas for nations refusing to repatriate migrants and criminals”
The UK will suspend visas for countries that refuse to take back illegal migrants and foreign criminals, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned.
In a sharp escalation of Labour’s migration strategy, Mahmood said Britain would not hesitate to bar workers, students and visitors from nations that failed to “play ball” on repatriation agreements.
Speaking after talks with Kristi Noem, the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Mahmood made clear she intends to use visa restrictions as leverage in negotiations with uncooperative governments.
“The message is simple: if you will not take your citizens back, we will not continue to grant your citizens the privilege of UK visas,” she said. “The British people expect us to act firmly, and we will.”
The plan would apply to countries that resist returning their nationals after they have either entered Britain illegally or been convicted of crimes and ordered to leave. At present, many such individuals remain in the UK for years due to diplomatic standoffs or bureaucratic obstacles.
Mahmood’s intervention signals the toughest stance yet from Labour on border control, as the government faces mounting pressure to cut both illegal crossings and legal net migration. Reform UK has surged in the polls by making immigration a central issue, while ministers are under strain to show progress on stopping small boat arrivals.
According to Home Office data, more than 100 countries currently have some form of returns agreement with the UK, but enforcement is inconsistent. Several governments have repeatedly refused to cooperate, citing human rights concerns or practical issues such as a lack of documentation.
Under Mahmood’s approach, the UK would use its visa system as a bargaining tool, effectively punishing non-cooperative nations by restricting their citizens’ ability to live, study or work in Britain. Such measures would mark a significant departure from the softer, diplomacy-first methods previously favoured.
Officials believe the threat of suspending student and worker visas in particular could shift negotiations. Britain has long been a top destination for international students and skilled migrants, making access to the UK labour market and universities a prized asset for many countries.
Critics, however, have warned that the policy could spark diplomatic disputes and damage Britain’s international reputation. Human rights groups argue that the move risks punishing ordinary people — such as students or families — for the actions of their governments.
Mahmood defended her stance, insisting the priority must be upholding the integrity of Britain’s borders and enforcing the rule of law. “We are a welcoming country, but we cannot allow abuse of our immigration system,” she said.
Her comments follow Labour’s recent efforts to reset its migration policy after years of Conservative struggles to curb crossings of the Channel. The government has already announced expanded agreements with France and the EU to strengthen border controls, while also pledging to reduce reliance on overseas workers by boosting domestic training.
For Mahmood, the visa threat is intended to send a clear signal both at home and abroad. “If you want the benefits of partnership with Britain, then you must meet your responsibilities too,” she said.
The policy, if implemented, would echo measures previously used by the United States, which has suspended visas for countries refusing deportations. Observers note it could reshape Britain’s migration relationships and further test Labour’s balancing act between control, compassion and international cooperation