UK Suspends Study Visas for Four Countries Amid Rising Asylum Claims

The UK government announced it will suspend study visas for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, and halt work visas for Afghans, citing a surge in asylum claims made by individuals entering through legal routes. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the move aims to prevent abuse of the visa system while maintaining refuge for those fleeing persecution. The ban, effective March 26, follows a reported 470% increase in student asylum applications from these countries between 2021 and 2025. The government plans to introduce capped safe and legal routes once the asylum system stabilizes.