UK puts emergency brake on study visas for four countries' nationals

"Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused. That is why I am taking the unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity. I will restore order and control to our borders."

"According to Home Office figures, 39% of the 100,000 people who claimed asylum in 2025 did so after arriving in the UK through a legal migration route such as a study visa. Asylum applications by students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan represented the most significant part of a rise between 2021 and September 2025."

"Mahmood previously threatened a similar halt to all visas for Angola, Namibia and the Democratic of Congo in November, unless their governments agreed to take people back from the UK. This led to cooperation agreements with all three countries and people being returned via deportation flights."

The UK government has implemented an emergency visa ban on nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, citing widespread exploitation of legal migration pathways to claim asylum. Home Office data shows 39% of 100,000 asylum claimants in 2025 arrived through legal routes like student visas. These four countries accounted for the most significant portion of asylum applications from students between 2021 and September 2025. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the measure protects Britain's generosity while restoring border control. The ban takes effect Thursday through immigration rules changes. Additionally, all refugees will now receive temporary status lasting 30 months, with claimants from countries deemed safe expected to return home.

Read at www.theguardian.com