The UK government is considering suspending visas for nationals of countries that refuse to take back their citizens, newly appointed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced.
The warning came during Mahmood’s first international engagement in her new role, as she hosted security ministers from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance – the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand – in London on Monday. The talks coincided with mounting political and public pressure on the government to curb the rising number of Channel crossings.
Mahmood’s Hardline Stance on Border Security
Speaking just days after her appointment, Mahmood stressed that “securing Britain’s borders” would be her top priority. On Saturday alone, more than 1,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats – one of the highest daily totals ever recorded – bringing this year’s figure to over 30,000, a 37% increase compared with 2024.
Mahmood outlined a potential new strategy: restricting visas for countries that refuse to cooperate on migrant returns.
“For countries that do not play ball, we have been talking about much more coordinated action between the Five Eyes countries,” she said. “That could mean cutting visas in the future to send a clear message: if one of your citizens has no right to be here, they must be taken back.”
The home secretary did not name specific countries but said discussions were underway with international partners to enforce a tougher approach.
Which Countries Could Be Affected?
Migration experts note that several nations with high visa demand also have low return rates for refused asylum seekers.
Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of Oxford University’s Migration Observatory, highlighted India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal as examples.
“Some countries – such as India – have a long history of lobbying for easier visa access,” she explained. “How they respond to threats of restrictions will depend on how strongly their governments prioritise that access.”
Political Response and Criticism
The proposal has already sparked political debate. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Labour of being “too weak” to act decisively, arguing that the government should also consider cutting aid to uncooperative countries.
“This Labour government needs to stop talking tough and start acting tough,” Philp said.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously described his approach as “transactional,” suggesting visa access could be tied directly to cooperation on migration and asylum issues.
Broader Strategy on Immigration
The London summit also tackled other pressing security concerns, including online child sexual abuse and the global opioid trade. Mahmood met with US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, and New Zealand’s Judith Collins.
Mahmood, formerly justice secretary, replaced Yvette Cooper in a major cabinet reshuffle over the weekend. Her appointment is seen as a signal from Starmer that Labour intends to take a harder line on immigration.
Defence Secretary John Healey also confirmed the government is considering expanding the use of military sites and other facilities to house asylum seekers, in a bid to reduce reliance on costly hotel accommodation.
