Overview
- The Home Office confirmed the Democratic Republic of Congo has agreed to accept returns after preferential treatment for VIPs was removed and fast‑track visas were withdrawn for its citizens.
- Namibia and Angola agreed to cooperate earlier, with a charter flight already returning people to Namibia and further flights to Angola scheduled and DRC removals being planned, according to The Times.
- Officials estimate the deals will enable the expedited removal of more than 3,000 nationals, including foreign offenders and people with no right to remain.
- Government figures show 38,078 people were removed last year—the highest in a decade—and 58,500 have been removed or deported since 2024, a total that includes voluntary departures.
- Only 2,272 small-boat arrivals were deported in the year to September—about 5%—and media reporting indicates other countries resistant to returns may face similar visa penalties.