Britain has announced a major visa crackdown aimed at reducing rising asylum claims. The government will block study visas for nationals from four countries. It will also halt work visas for Afghan citizens.
Officials described the move as an “emergency brake.” The measure targets people who enter the UK legally but later apply for asylum.
The decision highlights growing political pressure over immigration control. The policy will take effect on March 26.
Study Visas Blocked for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan
The UK Home Office said study visas will be refused for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. Authorities reported a sharp rise in asylum claims from students of these countries.
According to government data, asylum applications from students of these four nations increased more than fivefold between 2021 and 2025. Officials argue that the visa system is being misused.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood defended the decision in a public statement. She said Britain remains committed to protecting people fleeing war and persecution. However, she stressed that the visa system must not be exploited.
The government also reported a surge in asylum claims from Afghans holding work visas. Officials said claims now exceed the number of work visas being issued to Afghan nationals.
The UK has provided sanctuary to over 37,000 Afghans through resettlement schemes since 2021. Around 190,000 humanitarian visas were granted last year.
Despite these figures, authorities say abuse of legal visa routes is increasing pressure on the asylum system.
Asylum Claims Triple as Political Pressure Mounts
Immigration remains one of the most sensitive political issues in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to tighten border controls.
The rise of Reform UK in opinion polls has intensified debate over migration policies. The ruling government faces growing demands for stricter enforcement.
Government figures show asylum claims from people entering on legal visas have more than tripled since 2021. These claims accounted for 39 percent of the 100,000 asylum applications submitted last year.
Nearly 16,000 nationals from the four listed countries are currently supported by public funds. More than 6,000 are housed in hotels.
The annual cost of asylum accommodation has reached £4 billion. Officials say this level of spending is unsustainable.
Authorities also confirmed cooperation agreements with Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These agreements focus on facilitating the return of failed asylum seekers.
The government previously warned that countries not cooperating on returns could face visa restrictions.
New “Safe and Legal Routes” Planned
The UK government said new capped “safe and legal routes” will be introduced once the asylum system stabilizes. Officials aim to balance humanitarian commitments with border control.
In November, the government announced plans to make refugee status temporary. It also pledged to accelerate removals of individuals who arrive illegally.
Prime Minister Starmer has argued that Britain’s asylum system is more permissive than parts of Europe. He said this may act as a pull factor for migrants.
The latest visa restrictions signal a tougher stance on immigration enforcement. The government says further reforms are under review.
