The British government announced on Tuesday it will stop issuing student visas to nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, citing increased asylum applications as a factor.
Afghans will also face restrictions on work visas.
According to the Home Office, there has been a significant rise in asylum requests from students in these countries, with a noted 470% increase from 2021 to 2025.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, “Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused.”
The statement highlighted that a total of 135,000 asylum seekers have entered the UK through legal channels since 2021. Migration remains a contentious issue in British politics, with the Reform UK party gaining traction partly due to its anti-migration platform. The British government also reported a 20% reduction in asylum claims by students in 2025 but indicated further measures are necessary as study visas account for 13% of ongoing claims.
