The Government of Eritrea, through its embassy in London, has issued a firm statement categorically rejecting allegations by United Kingdom (UK) Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that the Eritrean government “abruptly” withdrew co-operation regarding the enforced repatriation of its nationals.
The diplomatic fallout follows a formal warning from the British government threatening a complete visa ban on Eritrean nationals unless the Eritrean government resumes accepting deported citizens and convicted offenders. In response, the Eritrean government stated that it does not accept the forced return of its citizens and accused British authorities of attempting to enforce deportations in contradiction of the UK’s own country guidance policies.
The Eritrean government further alleged that UK officials engaged in “unacceptable practices,” including attempting to deport convicted criminals serving active prison sentences under the guise of “voluntary” returns without proper disclosure.
Pushing back against new UK sanctions, which restrict Eritrean diplomats’ travel outside London and suspend fast-track visa processing, the Eritrean government dismissed the corrective measures as a political gimmick, noting that the UK has not issued a single visa to an Eritrean official since 2023.
–ChannelAfrica–
