The United Kingdom has introduced sweeping visa restrictions affecting nationals of four countries amid a sharp increase in asylum applications from individuals who originally entered the country through approved migration channels.
The UK Home Office announced that it has activated an “emergency brake” to halt sponsored study visas for citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.
In addition, skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals have been suspended. The changes will be formalised through amendments to Immigration Rules on 5 March and take effect from 26 March.
Officials say the decision follows a significant rise in asylum claims lodged by people who arrived on student and other legal visas.
Over the past five years, more than 133,000 individuals have applied for asylum after entering the UK lawfully.
Since 2021, roughly 135,000 people who came on study or related visas later sought protection.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted that nearly 40 per cent of asylum applications now originate from legal entry routes.
Applications from students of the four affected countries have surged dramatically since 2021, with some nationalities recording multiple-fold increases.
In certain cases, asylum claims now rival or even exceed the number of visas issued.
The government also cited mounting financial pressure. Asylum support costs exceed £4 billion annually, with thousands of affected nationals currently receiving state-funded accommodation, including hotel placements.
Alongside the visa clampdown, new asylum regulations will shorten refugee leave from five years to 30 months, subject to review.
Ministers argue the reforms are necessary to prevent abuse of the immigration system while maintaining protection for those fleeing conflict and persecution. Migration policy continues to dominate political debate across the UK.
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