Source: Eritrean Embassy UK
Press Release
The Embassy of the State of Eritrea wishes to categorically reject the statement made by the UK Home Secretary on 14 October 2026 yesterday, alleging that Eritrea has “abruptly” withdrawn cooperation on “enforced and escorted return” of its nationals.
In this respect, the Embassy wishes to underline:
1. The Government of the State of Eritrea does not accept the forced return of its Citizens and has duly communicated this fact to British Government officials on various occasions.
2. Despite Eritrea’s repeated requests for constructive discussion with relevant UK authorities on the dignified return of its citizens, the UK has shown no interest to engage in meaningful and appropriate dialogue. Instead, it continues to insist on enforced repatriation, in direct contradiction of its own Country Guidance Policy on Eritrea.
3. The fundamental core issue behind this matter is the UK’s decision to politicize its asylum system and extend blanket asylum to anyone who claims to be Eritrean in a bid to undermine the Government of the State of Eritrea. Invariably, this policy of offering prima facia asylum has served as a pull factor to the UK for mostly underage Eritreans as well as non-Eritrean asylum seekers masquerading as Eritreans. This unwarranted action has immensely compounded the problem beyond normative proportions.
4. Due to unacceptable practices by UK authorities, such as failing to disclose that they were returning convicted criminals still serving prison terms and describing returnees as “voluntary” when clearly, they were not, the State of Eritrea was forced to suspend the practice of escorting Eritrean nationals who were supposedly ‘voluntarily’ returning to their homeland.
While the Home Secretary’s current decision to impose “corrective visa actions” is regrettable, the act is nothing more than a perfunctory political gimmick.
The fact is, the UK has not issued a single visa to an Eritrean official since 2023.
Embassy of the State of #Eritrea,
London, UK.
15 October 2026
