London: The UK government has announced it will stop issuing study visas to nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan starting this month, citing concerns over visa abuse and rising asylum claims.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision follows a sharp increase in asylum applications from people who originally entered the UK through legal study routes. The government will also stop issuing skilled worker visas to Afghan nationals.
‘Emergency brake’ imposed on visas
The UK’s Home Office said an “emergency brake” has been applied to visas for the four countries for the first time after asylum claims from students rose significantly.
Official figures show asylum applications from students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan increased by more than 470% between 2021 and 2025, making them among the most likely nationalities to seek asylum after arriving on study visas.
The government also said the number of Afghan nationals on work visas claiming asylum has now exceeded the number of visas issued.
Rising asylum claims from legal routes
Authorities said asylum claims from people entering the UK through legal routes have more than tripled since 2021. These cases now account for 39% of the roughly 100,000 asylum applications submitted last year.
Over the past five years, about 133,760 people have claimed asylum after arriving legally in the UK.
Many asylum seekers are supported with public funds, with government figures showing nearly 16,000 nationals from the four countries currently receiving asylum support, including more than 6,000 being housed in hotels.
Government defends decision
A government spokesperson said the measures are aimed at preventing misuse of the visa system while maintaining the UK’s ability to help those genuinely in need.
Mahmood said Britain would continue to provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution but stressed that immigration rules must not be exploited.
The move comes ahead of new legislation expected this week aimed at tightening border controls and reforming the asylum system. The home secretary is scheduled to outline the proposals in a speech at the Institute for Public Policy Research.
