Bangladesh, Dec. 29 -- The United Kingdom has imposed new visa restrictions on citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), escalating a diplomatic dispute over the repatriation of undocumented migrants and foreign criminals. The move reflects a broader hardening of Britains immigration policy as the government seeks to demonstrate tougher border enforcement amid record asylum applications and growing domestic political pressure.

Announced over the weekend by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the measures specifically target senior officials and influential figures from DR Congo, who will no longer benefit from preferential visa arrangements. In addition, fast-track visa processing has been withdrawn for all Congolese ap...