UK halts study visas for four countries over asylum spike

By Goli Innocent

The United Kingdom has slammed the brakes on study visas for citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan after a sharp rise in asylum claims from people who first entered legally. The decision, announced by the UK Home Office, is being described as an “emergency brake” the first of its kind.

Under the new rules, sponsored study visas for the four countries will stop, while skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals are also suspended. The changes take effect later this month through an amendment to immigration rules, signalling a tougher stance from London.

According to official figures, nearly 135,000 people have claimed asylum after arriving in the UK legally in the past five years. In 2025 alone, such claims made up 39 per cent of about 100,000 total asylum applications a statistic that has rattled policymakers.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said asylum support now costs more than £4 billion annually. She noted that almost 16,000 nationals from the affected countries are currently being supported at public expense, with thousands housed in hotels.

The move comes alongside wider reforms that will see refugee status reviewed every 30 months instead of five years. The government says refugees from countries later deemed safe may be expected to return home, though existing cases will continue under the old framework.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration insists Britain will remain open to those fleeing war and persecution. However, officials say the visa system must not be abused, as migration continues to dominate political debate across the UK.