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The UK government announced on Tuesday (March 3) that it will suspend the issuance of study visas for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, as well as work visas for Afghans, citing concerns over the misuse of legal migration channels. The move forms part of a wider effort to tighten controls on asylum claims.
According to the UK Home Office, student applications from these four countries have surged dramatically, contributing to the nearly 135,000 asylum seekers who have entered the United Kingdom through legal routes since 2021.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that while Britain remains committed to offering protection to those fleeing conflict and persecution, its visa system must not be exploited. “That is why I am taking the unprecedented step of refusing visas for nationals seeking to abuse our generosity,” she stated.
The Home Office noted that student asylum applications from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan increased by more than 470% between 2021 and 2025. While successive UK governments have struggled to manage irregular migration, including small boats crossing the Channel from France, officials also face pressure to curb the growing number of asylum seekers entering via legitimate routes.
In 2025 alone, the government managed to reduce student asylum claims by 20%, but applicants on study visas still accounted for 13% of all claims, prompting further action under the new restrictions.
