The UK government has announced a significant shift in its immigration policy by suspending study visa applications from four countries — Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The decision, introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, aims to address what officials describe as widespread misuse of the student visa system to claim asylum after entering the country.
In addition to suspending study visas from these countries, the UK government has also stopped issuing skilled worker visas to Afghan nationals due to the high number of asylum claims following visa expiration.
The new immigration rule will take effect from March 26, 2025, following a formal rule change introduced on March 5.
Why the UK Is Suspending Study Visas
According to the UK Home Office, the policy change was prompted by a sharp increase in asylum claims from individuals who initially entered the country legally on student visas. Government data indicates that nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan have been among the most likely to claim asylum after arriving in the UK to study.
The Home Office reported that asylum claims from individuals who originally entered through legal routes—such as study visas—have more than tripled between 2021 and 2025. Currently, 13% of all asylum claims in the UK are linked to individuals who first arrived on student visas.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the government is determined to restore control over immigration procedures.
“Britain will always provide refuge to those fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused. I will restore order and control to our borders.”
Countries Affected by the New Visa Restrictions
The new measures specifically target applicants from the following countries:
| Country | Reason Highlighted by UK Authorities |
| Afghanistan | Extremely high rate of asylum claims after study or work visas |
| Cameroon | Sharp increase in asylum claims linked to political instability |
| Myanmar | Rapid rise in student visa holders applying for asylum |
| Sudan | Growing number of asylum claims amid ongoing civil conflict |
Surge in Asylum Claims from Student Visa Holders
Home Office data shows a dramatic increase in asylum applications from students from the affected countries.
| Country | Increase in Asylum Claims |
| Afghanistan | About 95% of Afghan students later applied for asylum |
| Myanmar | Applications increased 16 times between 2021 and 2025 |
| Cameroon | Claims rose over 330% |
| Sudan | Claims also increased more than fourfold |
Overall, asylum applications from these nationalities increased by over 470% between 2021 and 2025, according to the Home Office. Officials say this trend has placed a significant strain on the UK’s asylum processing system.
Financial Impact on the UK Asylum System
The rising number of asylum claims has also created substantial financial pressure on the government.
The UK currently spends more than £4 billion annually on asylum support, which includes housing, accommodation, and financial assistance for asylum seekers.
Key figures include:
- Nearly 16,000 nationals from the four countries currently receiving UK asylum support.
- More than 6,000 individuals housed in hotels funded by taxpayers.
- An above-average proportion of asylum applicants from these countries claiming destitution as part of their case.
The government argues that the increasing costs make stricter visa policies necessary to maintain a sustainable asylum system.
Wider Immigration Policy Changes
The visa restrictions are part of a broader shift toward tighter immigration control. This means the UK government has recently introduced or proposed several related measures, including:
- Reducing refugee protection periods from five years to 30 months.
- Increasing immigration enforcement and deportation agreements with other countries.
- Using visa restrictions as leverage in diplomatic negotiations.
Previously, the government threatened to suspend visas for Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless those countries agreed to accept deported migrants. According to the Home Office, cooperation agreements were later reached, allowing deportation flights to resume.
UK Commitment to Refugee Resettlement
Despite tightening visa rules, the government maintains that the UK continues to support refugees through official humanitarian programs.
Key figures include:
- More than 37,000 Afghans resettled in the UK since 2021.
- Approximately 190,000 humanitarian visas issued in 2025.
- The UK ranking as the sixth largest country globally for UN-referred refugee resettlement.
Officials say these programs demonstrate the country’s continued commitment to assisting those genuinely fleeing conflict and persecution.