UK's study visa ban for four countries will drive more people to use small boats'

"Our government says it wants to stop people from making dangerous and often deadly Channel crossings to seek sanctuary. But its approach is doing exactly the opposite. This government has already put family reunion applications on hold, now it wants to ban a small number of people from leaving conflict zones to continue their education and then claim asylum instead of being sent back into danger."

The UK Home Secretary announced a ban on student visas from Sudan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Cameroon, effective March 26, citing concerns that study routes are being misused for asylum claims. The government argues study visas should not serve as mechanisms for claiming asylum. However, critics contend that very few safe and legal alternatives exist for people from these conflict-affected regions. Data shows only hundreds of people from these countries use student visas before claiming asylum—fewer than daily small boat crossings. Campaigners warn the ban will paradoxically increase dangerous Channel crossings by eliminating a legitimate pathway for vulnerable populations fleeing war, persecution, and human rights abuses.

Read at www.theguardian.com