Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Home Office press release entitled Home Secretary threatens Eritrea with visa penalties, published on 15 October 2026, how frequently she will review Eritrea's cooperation with returns; and what arrangements are in place to report progress against the conditions set by the Home Secretary.

Over the past 12 months, Eritrea has been the highest source of small boat arrivals to the UK. There are a significant number of Foreign National Offenders (FNO’s) with no right to remain in the UK and who must be removed from the country.

The UK will keep Eritrea’s returns cooperation under close and regular review, as it does with all international partners. To avoid the imposition of visa penalties, Eritrea must demonstrate rapid, effective and sustained improvements, including restoring cooperation on enforced and escorted returns and facilitate the identification and acceptance of its nationals with no right to remain in the UK.

We will not hesitate to take further action, if necessary through the use of visa penalties and including suspending the granting of entry clearance to Eritrean nationals.