Tense negotiations are going on between authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Immigration office of the United Kingdom.
The UK has recently tightened visa restrictions for Congolese citizens which has ultimately placed some Congolese in the UK in a complex situation.
The DRC and the United Kingdom are engaged in diplomatic and technical consultations on the return of Congolese nationals in an irregular situation.
According to emerging details, Kinshasa has been officially informed, through diplomatic channels, of the measures envisaged by the United Kingdom, including the introduction of visa restrictions targeting holders of special Congolese passports.
The two sides are examining the situation of Congolese people residing irregularly in the United Kingdom and identifying “sustainable, effective and mutually acceptable” solutions, the statement said.
The discussions focus in particular on mechanisms for the prior identification of the individuals concerned.
Kinshasa reiterates that no return or expulsion procedure can be initiated if there is doubt about a person’s identity and that any measure must be carried out in strict compliance with human rights.
These exchanges come as London has announced the elimination of accelerated visa procedures for Congolese nationals and the end of preferential treatment granted to political leaders and high-level figures, citing insufficient cooperation on returns.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned that the UK could go as far as a total suspension of visas for the DRC if “cooperation does not improve rapidly”, stating that the countries concerned must take back their nationals in an irregular situation.
The Home Office reports administrative delays and documentary requirements that have hampered returns to the DRC, while acknowledging a certain level of commitment from the Congolese authorities.
