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Undocumented Migrants: Repatriation

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 23 September 2025UIN 76877

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which countries have had access to UK visas restricted due to non-compliance with migrant return agreements; and what criteria were used in these decisions.

Answered by Mike Tapp

Visa penalties, as outlined in section 70 of Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Nationality And Borders Act 2022), may be imposed on a country which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, does not cooperate with the UK in relation to the return of its nationals who do not have a legal right to be in the UK.

These provisions have not been used since their introduction in 2022. But we will use all levers available to ensure the removal of those with no right to remain in the UK, including visa penalties where necessary, and will do whatever it takes to secure the UK’s border.

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