The three countries have collectively refused to take back more than 4,000 unauthorized immigrants and foreign criminals from Britain. They will have a month to start cooperating before a sliding scale of penalties is introduced.
These would include the removal of fast-track visa services for diplomats and VIPs, and end with a ban on all citizens getting visas.
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.”
The visa bans mirror similar measures introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump in his first term, when he imposed tough measures on some African and Asian nations.
British Border Security Minister Alex Norris refused Monday to rule out India being subject to similar penalties despite the free-trade agreement struck between the two nations earlier this year.
“We are looking at all of our agreements with every country,” Norris told Times Radio. “If we do not think we’re getting that right engagement, that right commitment, then of course, we reserve all opportunities to escalate that.”