UK warns of visa curbs for nations resisting deportations, Indian nationals also to be impacted

Indian nationals, who make up one of the largest migrant groups in Britain and received more than half a million UK visas last year, could be directly affected by a new policy shift in London that links visa access to cooperation on deportations.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

The UK has warned that it may cut the number of visas it grants to countries that delay or refuse to take back their citizens found living unlawfully, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announcing on 8 September a fresh agreement with the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand that collectively make up the "Five Eyes" intelligence sharing alliance to push for faster returns.

The agreement lays out clear obligations for countries to accept the return of their nationals who have no legal right to remain abroad, with an emphasis on tackling prolonged delays, refusals to issue travel documents and limited cooperation.

Where governments remain unwilling to accept enforced repatriations, the UK has said it will consider "appropriate adjustments" to visa arrangements to reflect immigration risks.