The United Kingdom has announced an immediate halt to the issuance of study visas for nationals of Cameroon, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Sudan, citing concerns over visa abuse and rising asylum claims.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who said the move is aimed at restoring control over the country’s immigration system. Skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals have also been suspended.
A government spokesperson said, “The government is clamping down on visa abuse so the UK can maintain its ability and proud tradition of helping those genuinely in need.”
According to the Home Office, nationals from the four countries were among the most likely to claim asylum after entering the UK legally on study visas.
Home Office data shows that asylum claims from individuals who initially arrived on student visas have more than tripled between 2021 and 2025. These claims now account for 13 percent of all asylum applications currently in the system.
Mahmood described the move as unprecedented.
“I am taking the unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity,” she said, adding, “I will restore order and control to our borders.”
Government figures indicate that around 16,000 people from the affected countries are currently receiving asylum support, with a higher proportion citing destitution in their applications.
Since 2021, approximately 95 percent of Afghans who entered the UK on study visas have applied for asylum. Applications from Myanmar nationals have risen sixteen-fold, while claims from students from Cameroon and Sudan have more than quadrupled within the same period.
For the first time, study visas for four countries and skilled worker visas for Afghans will be denied following the sharp increase in asylum claims through legal migration routes.
The changes also pause family reunion provisions and introduce financial and integration requirements for refugees, similar to those applied to British citizens. However, unaccompanied minors will continue to receive five years’ leave to remain while broader policy reviews are conducted.
Mahmood confirmed that legislation to enforce the new visa restrictions will be introduced through amendments to the Immigration Rules on Thursday, March 5.
The development follows earlier warnings issued in November when the Home Secretary threatened to suspend visas for Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless deportation agreements were resumed.
The UK government has also reduced refugee protection from five years to 30 months for new asylum claimants from March 2, 2026. Protection will be renewed for individuals still facing danger, while those from countries deemed safe will be expected to return.
Officials say the measures are designed to reduce dangerous crossings, promote legal migration pathways and strengthen the integrity of the UK’s asylum system.
