UK halts study visas for four countries after asylum spike
The UK government has imposed an “emergency brake” on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan following a surge in asylum claims from people entering through legal routes. According to the UK Home Office, this move will also suspend skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision comes amid rising numbers of asylum seekers and significant public expense. The government is also tightening broader asylum rules and reducing refugee protections.
What we know
- The UK will end sponsored study visas for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, and suspend skilled worker visas for Afghans.
- The changes will be introduced through an Immigration Rules amendment on 5 March and come into force on 26 March.
- Asylum applications by students from the four countries increased by more than 470 percent between 2021 and 2025.
- In 2025, claims via legal entry routes accounted for 39 percent of the 100,000 asylum applicants.
- The government confirmed that protection for refugees will be reduced to 30 months from 2 March as part of new reforms.
