The United Kingdom has announced an “emergency brake” on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, citing a sharp increase in asylum claims by students arriving on study permits.
The UK Home Office confirmed that the measure marks the first time such a restriction has been imposed on specific nationalities under the country’s visa system.
Rise in asylum claims
According to the Home Office, asylum applications from students belonging to the four countries rose by more than 470 per cent between 2021 and 2025.
Officials said the surge prompted the government to introduce stricter controls to prevent misuse of the visa system.
“Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
She added that the government was taking the “unprecedented decision” to refuse visas to those believed to be exploiting the system.
Work visas for Afghans also halted
Along with the suspension of study visas, the UK government has also halted work visas for Afghan nationals under the new measures.
Authorities said the restrictions are intended to strengthen immigration controls and manage asylum applications more effectively.
Migration debate intensifies
Migration has become a major political issue in the United Kingdom, with anti-immigration sentiment rising in recent years.
The government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been under pressure to tighten immigration rules as the far-right Reform UK party gains support in opinion polls with its tough stance on migration.
Officials say the government has already taken steps to speed up deportations and tighten the asylum process.
Tougher asylum rules expected
The visa restrictions are expected to be formally introduced through changes to immigration rules later this week.
Reports indicate the government may also introduce a policy requiring asylum seekers to undergo a review of their refugee status every 30 months.
Officials believe such measures could help reduce incentives for people to misuse student visas as a route to asylum.
Despite the new restrictions, the government maintains that the UK will continue to offer protection to people genuinely fleeing conflict and persecution, while ensuring the immigration system operates fairly.