Britain has threatened to completely and collectively halt the issuance of all types of entry visas for a specific nationality, preventing them from entering British territory, due to disputes related to immigration and deportation from Britain.
According to details published by the British newspaper "Daily Express," which were reviewed by "Video News Agency," Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood threatened to ban Eritrean citizens from entering British territory completely unless their government agrees to take back its nationals who do not have the right to remain in Britain.
This warning comes as part of the British government's efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration and the increasing number of people being deported from the country.
The minister accused Eritrea of refusing to cooperate in efforts to return rejected asylum seekers as well as foreign criminals to their home country.
The "Daily Express" stated that as of Thursday, October 15, 2026, Eritrean diplomats will face new restrictions regarding their travel outside of London, and expedited visa services designated for VIPs will be canceled. Eritrean diplomats will also need prior permission to travel more than 60 kilometers outside London.
The British Home Office explained that this measure is in response to similar restrictions already imposed on British officials in Eritrea.
This step follows the British government's accusation of the Eritrean authorities for abruptly withdrawing their cooperation earlier this year.
Minister Shabana Mahmood stated in a separate statement to the British newspaper "Daily Telegraph": "Eritrea has been given every opportunity to accept the return of criminals and those who do not have the right to be in Britain, but it has refused, unlike other countries.
My message to the Eritrean government is clear: take back your nationals, or you will face a comprehensive ban on your citizens entering the United Kingdom. I will not hesitate to impose additional measures on any other countries that refuse to cooperate."
This dispute comes at a time when Eritreans represent a significant proportion of those crossing the English Channel in small boats.
According to Interior Ministry figures, Eritrean citizens accounted for about 18% of those arriving via small boats during the twelve months ending in June 2026, making them the largest nationality group among arrivals.
During the referenced 12 months, 5,875 Eritreans reached Britain via small boats, while reports indicated that 6,952 Eritrean citizens applied for asylum, meaning that those arriving also through airports or legal border points are seeking asylum, along with those arriving illegally by boats across the sea.
The figures also show that the acceptance rate for asylum applications from Eritreans exceeds slightly 83%. Over the past four years, 2,626 asylum applications submitted by Eritreans have been rejected, while 106 rejected asylum seekers were returned to their country.