London, Sept 8 – The UK government has announced it may reduce the number of visas issued to countries that refuse to accept the return of their citizens who have no legal right to remain in Britain.
The statement came after Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood met with counterparts from the Five Eyes alliance — the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand — to discuss stronger border control and coordinated immigration policies.
Tougher Stance on Immigration
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who reshuffled his cabinet last week amid growing public pressure over rising small-boat crossings, appointed Mahmood to lead the Home Office. She emphasized that Britain would no longer tolerate countries refusing to cooperate on deportations.
“This announcement sends a clear message: if you have no legal right to remain in the UK, we will deport you. And if your country refuses to take you back, we will take action, including cutting visa access,” Mahmood said.
Global Cooperation
The discussions also highlighted broader international cooperation. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that member countries agreed to:
-
Share background information, including migrants’ criminal history.
-
Work together to counter criminal cartels using social media and technology platforms to facilitate illegal migration.
“We must be aggressive in our joint efforts to push back against these new tactics,” Noem noted.
Rising Public Pressure
Immigration has become one of the UK’s most pressing political issues. Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, is taking a firmer stance as public opinion polls show growing frustration and rising support for populist parties such as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Mahmood reinforced the government’s determination:“We will not allow our laws to go unenforced. Countries that don’t cooperate must face consequences. If that means cutting visas, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
The move marks a significant shift in the UK’s immigration approach, signaling tougher enforcement and stronger international collaboration on border security.
