Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has threatened to ban all Eritreans from entering the UK if the Eritrean government does not accept more returns of small boat migrants and foreign national offenders. From Thursday, Eritrean diplomats will face restrictions on their movement outside London, and fast-track visas for VIPs will be stopped.
Ms Mahmood stated that Eritrea has had every chance to accept the return of criminals and those with no right to be in the UK, but has refused. She added that she would not hesitate to impose further measures on other countries refusing to co-operate. The UK government has accused Eritrean authorities of "abruptly" withdrawing co-operation earlier this year.
The restrictions mean diplomats are banned from travelling 60km outside London without permission, mirroring restrictions on British officials in Eritrea's capital, Asmara. Ministers have previously pressured other countries into accepting returns by threatening visa bans.
Eritreans were the most common nationality among small boat migrants in the 12 months to June, making up 18% of arrivals, according to figures from the House of Commons Library.