Labour should focus more on applying their visa crackdowns to the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia, a migration expert told GB News.
Centre for Migration Control’s Robert Bates said the Government’s move was down the “right route” but encouraged Labour to go further.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced she has imposed visa restrictions on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the first time after it refused to take back criminals and illegal migrants on Saturday.
Two other African countries, Namibia and Angola, later changed their position and agreed to accept deportees from Britain after the Government threatened the nations with similar measures.
“Visa crackdowns are quite a useful tool when it comes to addressing illegal migration,” he told presenter Eamonn Holmes.
He added that it could also be effective at incentivising those countries of origin to retrieve individuals who have either entered the country illegally on a small boat, or have come into the country on a visa and then overstayed their visa.
The expert continued: “We saw, for instance, a few years ago, the Trump administration introduced measures on Ghana because Ghana was refusing to take back illegal immigrants from the United States.
“That actually had a very powerful impact and saw Ghana effectively capitulate within a few months.
Mr Bates argued Ms Mahmood’s crackdown did not go far enough
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“I think there’s definitely case studies which show this is the right route to be going down.
“I would argue, though, that the three countries that have been chosen, I get what they’re trying to do. They’re trying to use a few case studies to see whether the approach works. “
“But the three countries that have been chosen are really very small fry when it comes to the illegal migration problem, when it comes to individuals coming across in small boats.”
In the year to June, a mere 11 illegal migrants came from the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), three from Angola and none from Namibia.
He continued: “We need to be using the diplomatic might of the UK when it comes to visas.
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GETTY“I also think there’s an argument to be made that we could be using foreign aid a lot more constructively to further the national interest or trade sanctions if need be, as well, with certain countries.
“But the point that I think it’s important to realise here is that these three countries really aren’t the big players when it comes to illegal migration in the UK.
“We’re better going after the sort of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia in the world because they are a much larger part of the small boats crossings, but also those that are overstaying visas illegitimately as well.”
Under current legislation, Ms Mahmood is permitted to place such restrictions on individuals from the three nations.
Last month, she issued a warning to the DRC, Namibia and Angola, with the Home Office slamming the trio for “unacceptably poor and obstructive returns processes”.
Now, DRC citizens will no longer be allowed to receive fast-track entry into Britain, while diplomats and ministers will no longer enjoy preferential visa treatment.
Ms Mahmood said: “We expect countries to play by the rules. If one of their citizens has no right to be here, they must take them back.
“I thank Angola and Namibia and welcome their co-operation. Now is the time for the Democratic Republic of Congo to do the right thing.
“Take your citizens back or lose the privilege of entering our country.
“This is just the start of the measures I am taking to secure our border and ramp up the removal of those with no right to be here.”