The home secretary has warned that the United Kingdom may impose measures on countries that are unwilling to work with British authorities on the return of migrants, saying she would not hesitate to act against states "refusing to co‑operate".
Her comments specifically referenced Eritrea as a country that could face restrictions under the policy, signalling a tougher diplomatic approach from the UK as it seeks to increase the return of people who do not have the right to remain in Britain. The warning comes amid broader tensions over efforts to manage migration and repatriations.
Officials said the measures being considered would be aimed at increasing pressure on governments that do not accept individuals the UK wishes to return. While the home secretary did not set out a detailed list of options, such steps are typically understood to range from targeted travel or visa restrictions to other diplomatic measures designed to encourage co‑operation.
The remarks are expected to intensify debate both domestically and internationally about how best to handle migration while respecting legal and humanitarian obligations. Any move to impose restrictions on another country would involve diplomatic engagement and could prompt scrutiny from rights groups and international partners as the UK seeks to balance enforcement of its immigration rules with broader foreign policy considerations.