The United Kingdom has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accusing its government of failing to cooperate with its new policy on the return of undocumented migrants and those who commit criminal offences.The UK Home Office announced the measures in a statement late on Saturday. It also said that Angola and Namibia have agreed to step up efforts to take back their citizens.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listThe agreements mark the first major change under sweeping reforms unveiled by Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood last month to make refugee status temporary and speed up the deportation of those who arrive without documents in the UK.There was no immediate comment from the DRC, Angola or Namibia.The Home Office said the DRC failed to meet the UK’s requirements for cooperation and has now been stripped of fast-track visa services and preferential treatment for VIPs and decision makers.Mahmood said the UK could escalate measures to a complete halt of visas for the DRC unless cooperation rapidly improves.“We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back,” she said.“I thank Angola and Namibia and welcome their co-operation. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing. Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.“This is just the start of the measures I am taking to secure o …
