In her first major policy announcement, new UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has taken a tougher stance on deportations.
She warned that countries refusing to cooperate in taking back illegal migrants may face strict actions, such as visa suspensions or limits.
Her comments came during a meeting with US Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, whose hardline immigration policies have influenced the UK’s new “transactional” approach — meaning cooperation will be based on mutual give-and-take.
India, Pakistan, and Nigeria Under Scrutiny
UK officials have named India, Pakistan, and Nigeria as some of the countries that are the least cooperative when it comes to deportation agreements.
Although India signed a returns agreement in 2021, British officials say the country is still slow in issuing emergency travel documents needed to send back undocumented migrants.
The UK is also working with its Five Eyes intelligence alliance — which includes the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — to pressure countries that are unwilling to accept deportees.
How Many Indians Could Be Deported?
India currently has the highest number of visa overstayers in the UK. In 2020 alone, over 20,706 Indians were recorded as staying beyond their visa limit.
While India did take back 7,395 citizens in 2024 — more than any other country — UK officials say delays are still a problem.
In contrast, Pakistan has outright rejected the return of some convicted criminals, and Nigeria also remains high on the overstayers list.
Could This Harm UK–India Relations?
Migration experts warn that this strict policy might damage diplomatic ties between the UK and India.
India has long asked for easier visa access, and any move to cap or suspend visas may be seen as unfriendly.
Dr. Peter Walsh, a migration expert from Oxford University, said that India views such pressure tactics negatively, and that the UK could be risking its relationship with one of its largest visa applicant countries.
What’s Ahead?
Home Secretary Mahmood, who has promised to be a “whatever it takes” leader, has told her department to either step up or step out.
With illegal migrant crossings up by 37% this year, the UK government is under growing pressure to act.
But it remains uncertain whether visa restrictions will lead to more cooperation — or trigger a diplomatic backlash.
