The UK government is considering tightening visa regulations for nationals from countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka under plans aimed at reducing asylum applications viewed as abusive. Although specific nationalities targeted remain unclear due to the lack of recent exit statistics, officials believe legal work and study visa holders exploiting the system may be a significant issue. Experts suggest that the expected impact of these restrictions on asylum applications will be limited, primarily serving as a political tool rather than a substantive solution to migration concerns.
Under Home Office plans, people from countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka may find it more difficult to come to the UK to work and study.
Prof Jonathan Portes noted the impact of visa restrictions on asylum applications would be minor, as the measures aim to tackle perceived abuses of the system.
The Home Office has not published statistics on visa exit checks since 2020, which limits clarity on overstays and departure recording.
Sir Keir Starmer has said he aims to reduce illegal and legal migration but has refrained from setting a specific net migration target.
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