In her first major policy statement, new UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signaled a tougher approach to deportations. She announced that countries unwilling to cooperate in repatriating illegal migrants could face visa suspensions or caps. Her remarks came while hosting US Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, whose own deportation drive in the US has inspired the UK’s “transactional” approach.
India, Pakistan, and Nigeria on the Radar
According to UK officials, India, Pakistan, and Nigeria remain among the most resistant to deportation agreements. The UK’s intelligence-sharing alliance, Five Eyes, has also agreed to pressure nations reluctant to take back their citizens. Officials say India, despite a 2021 returns deal, has been slow in issuing emergency travel documents for undocumented deportees.
How Many Indians Could Be Affected?
India has the highest number of visa overstayers in the UK, with 20,706 Indians recorded in 2020 alone. While India did take back 7,395 citizens in 2024, more than any other nationality, UK officials argue that delays remain common. Pakistan, meanwhile, has rejected the return of convicted criminals, while Nigeria also features high on the overstayer list.
Risks to Diplomatic Relations
Migration experts warn that this policy may strain UK–India relations, especially as India has long pushed for privileged visa access. Dr. Peter Walsh of Oxford University’s Migration Observatory noted that India views such bargaining tactics negatively, and London risks undermining ties with one of its biggest visa user bases.
What’s Next?
Mahmood, who has pledged to be a “whatever it takes” Home Secretary, told staff to either “bring their A-game or leave.” With migrant crossings up 37% this year, her government is under pressure to act. But whether punitive visa caps will force cooperation or spark diplomatic pushback remains to be seen.
