The UK government has announced plans to stop issuing study visas to nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan starting in March, citing concerns over alleged misuse of the visa system. Reported by Jennifer McKiernan from BBC.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision was taken after authorities observed a significant number of asylum claims from individuals who originally entered the country on student visas.
In addition to the student visa restrictions, the UK government also plans to stop issuing skilled work visas to Afghan nationals.
According to the Home Office, the move comes in response to what officials describe as widespread abuse of the visa route.
Data shows that a notable proportion of asylum claims in recent years have come from individuals who first entered the UK legally as students.
A government spokesperson said, "Di govment dey clamp down on visa abuse so UK go fit maintain dia ability and proud tradition of helping dos wey genuinely dey in need."
Official figures indicate that asylum claims from people who initially arrived legally to study have more than tripled between 2021 and 2025.
Currently, individuals who entered the UK on study visas account for 13% of all asylum claims in the system.
Mahmood said she was "take di extraordinary decision to refuse visas for di nationals wey dey try to exploit our generosity". She added, "I go restore order and control to our borders."
Home Office data shows that around 95% of Afghan nationals who entered the UK on study visas since 2021 later applied for asylum. Claims from students from Myanmar increased sixteenfold, while applications from Cameroon and Sudan have more than quadrupled.
Officials also noted that many applicants from these countries cited financial hardship or destitution as part of their asylum requests.
The UK government is currently providing support to around 16,000 individuals from the four countries.
The policy change will be introduced through updates to the Immigration Rules, which Mahmood is expected to present on March 5.
The measures come as the government faces increasing pressure to tighten immigration controls and address rising asylum numbers.
In 2025, more than 41,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats, marking an increase compared to the previous year.
At the same time, the UK has continued to resettle refugees through international programmes.
According to the Home Office, the country remains one of the top global destinations for refugees referred by the UNHCR, reflecting what officials describe as a continued commitment to supporting those genuinely in need.