UK threatens visa bans for Eritreans over migrant return policy

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has threatened to bar all Eritreans from entering the country unless Eritrea accepts more returns of small-boat migrants and foreign national offenders. From Thursday, Eritrean diplomats will face limits on travel outside London, and fast-track visas for VIPs will be suspended. Eritrea called the measures a political gimmick and accused the UK of failing to engage in meaningful dialogue, while the UK says Eritrea abruptly withdrew co-operation. In the 12 months to June, more than 5,800 Eritreans arrived in the UK by small boat, while only seven people were returned to Eritrea.