Source: LBC
The move follows similar threats of visa sanctions against Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2025.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has threatened to ban all Eritreans from entering the UK unless a returns deal for criminals and illegal migrants is agreed.
From Thursday, diplomats from the east African country will also face restrictions on their movement outside London without the permission of the Foreign Office, while VIPs will be stripped of access to fast-track visas.
Britain and Eritrea have been locked in a row over migrant returns, as Ms Mahmood said Asmara refused to take back nationals who had no right to be in the UK.
Ms Mahmood said: “Eritrea has had every chance to accept the return of criminals and those with no right to be in the UK. Unlike other countries, it has refused.
“My message to the Eritrean government is simple: take back your nationals or face a complete ban on your citizens entering the UK.
“I will not hesitate to impose further measures on other countries refusing to co-operate.”
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The move, likely to deepen the diplomatic strain between the two nations, follows similar threats of visa sanctions made against Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2025.
Angola and Namibia later agreed to co-operate with demands on migrant returns in the wake of the warnings, while the Democratic Republic of Congo faced visa restrictions before reaching an agreement with the UK in February.
In March, ministers also placed an emergency brake on visas for nationals from four countries after the Home Secretary accused them of exploiting Britain’s generosity to claim asylum.
Study visas for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan were also halted, as were work visas for Afghans.
