UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK Borders Minister Alex Norris leaves US-style visa sanctions on India open as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pushes strict asylum reforms.
As reported by The Standard, Alex Norris has refused to rule out potential US President Donald Trump-style visa sanctions on India over illegal immigration.
What did Alex Norris say about possible visa sanctions?
During an interview on Monday, when questioned about whether the Government plans to extend visa sanctions to India, Alex Norris replied,
“We are looking at all of our agreements with every country, and if we do not think we’re getting that right engagement, that right commitment, then of course we reserve all opportunities to escalate that.”
He said,
“But this is best done by bilateral co-operation. That’s what we’re seeking across the country.”
Mr Norris stated,
“But people would expect that if we have failed asylum applications or if they’ve committed crimes, of course they should be removed. And we’re going to use every available method to us.”
He said taking valuables from refugees is warranted, saying,
“At the moment, the British public pay billions of pounds a year so that those seeking asylum, or those who have already failed in their applications, can be supported in their accommodation and their living.”
Mr Norris added,
“It is right if those people have money in the bank, people have assets like cars, like e-bikes, they should be contributing. No, we’re not going to be taking people’s heirlooms off them at the border. But … people have cars. People have e-bikes. Those are assets they should contribute to the cost of benefits.”
When asked whether non-sentimental jewellery could be seized, he said the public should wait for the home secretary’s statement in the House of Commons on Monday.
He declined to confirm if wedding rings would be included, saying,
“In the instance you’re talking about, no, of course not. If someone comes over with a bag full of gold rings, well, that’s different to what I said about the heirloom.”
Mr Norris said diplomatic measures, including visa restrictions, could be imposed on countries such as Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He added,
“There are a significant numbers of people who’ve been through the system – they’ve come to this country, have an asylum claim rejected, they’ve appealed it, that’s been rejected and now they’re in accommodation paid for by the taxpayer, going nowhere fast. Terrible for those people, terrible for us collectively.”
Mr Norris continued,
“But the country of origin, which is a safe country, which often we have a returns agreement with, aren’t doing their bit in helping us remove their citizens back to home.”
Which three countries face UK visa bans over illegal migrants?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to block UK visas for three countries if they refuse to take back illegal migrants, as she pushes for a major overhaul of asylum and human rights laws.
Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo could face UK visa bans if they fail to return illegal migrants, affecting citizens, VIPs, business leaders, and travellers.
The Times reports the decision follows policies introduced by Kristi Noem under the Trump administration.
Ms Mahmood said,
“In Britain, we play by the rules. When I said there would be penalties for countries that do not take back criminals and illegal immigrants, I meant it. My message to foreign governments today is clear: accept the return of your citizens or lose the privilege of entering our country.”
She will unveil reforms to Britain’s asylum policy on Monday, introducing new rules for those seeking refuge from war and unrest.
The reforms are described as the UK’s most significant asylum overhaul in decades, inspired by Denmark’s strict policies.
The Home Secretary plans a Bill to change how family rights under Article 8 are applied in asylum and migration cases, allowing only immediate family members to remain in the UK.
Under proposed reforms, she aims to end multiple appeals for those refused asylum in Britain.
Ms Mahmood insists the asylum system needs reform, citing community disruption caused by rapid changes, and warned that public support could vanish without action.
Other planned changes include making refugee status temporary, allowing return to their homeland when conditions improve. The Home Office will also create safe and legal routes to reduce dangerous Channel crossings in small boats.
What did Kemi Badenoch say about Labour MPs and asylum plans?
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned that Labour MPs could block the reforms.
She added,
“If the Home Secretary actually wants to cut illegal immigration, she should take up my offer to sit down with her and work on a plan that will actually stop the boats, rather than a few weak changes that will meet the approval of Labour MPs.”
How many people arrived in the UK through small boat crossings?
By October, nearly 37,000 people crossed the English Channel to arrive in the UK via small boats. This marks a 20% increase compared to 2024 but is still below the 2022 record of approximately 45,755 crossings.
43,309 people were recorded arriving in the UK on small boats, which was 38% more than the previous year and just 5% fewer than the peak in 2022, despite fewer boats making the journey overall. Since 2018, over 170,000 individuals have entered the UK via small boats.
