UK Warns Eritrea of Complete Visa Ban Over Returns

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned that Eritrean nationals could face a complete visa ban unless Eritrea resumes accepting the return of people who have no legal right to remain in Britain. The government has already restricted Eritrean officials’ access to visas and diplomats’ movements outside London. The Home Office says Eritrea stopped issuing emergency travel documents needed for removals in March 2026. Mahmood says the country has refused to cooperate on returns. The reports do not include a response from the Eritrean government. The threatened blanket ban has not been announced as implemented; it was presented as a possible further measure if cooperation does not resume. Under restrictions already imposed, Eritrean officials have lost preferential visa access. Eritrean diplomats based in Britain must obtain permission before travelling more than 60 kilometres outside London, according to the government’s announcement. The measures are intended to increase pressure on Eritrea to accept the return of nationals whose asylum claims have been refused or who have been convicted of crimes.