London: The United Kingdom has announced new visa restrictions, introducing what it calls an “emergency brake” to address a sharp rise in asylum claims from individuals entering through legal routes. The government confirmed it will block study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, and halt work visas for Afghan nationals. The measures will take effect from March 26, 2026.
According to the interior ministry, asylum applications by students from these four countries increased more than fivefold between 2021 and 2025. Officials also stated that asylum claims by Afghans arriving on work visas are now exceeding the number of work visas issued.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood said the decision was aimed at preventing misuse of the visa system. She stated that while Britain will continue to provide refuge to those fleeing war and persecution, the visa system must not be abused. Immigration remains a highly sensitive political issue in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been under pressure to tighten immigration controls as the right-wing Reform UK gains support in opinion polls.
Government data shows that asylum claims made by individuals who initially entered the UK on legal visas have more than tripled since 2021, accounting for 39% of the nearly 100,000 asylum applications submitted last year. Nearly 16,000 nationals from the four affected countries are currently receiving state support, including more than 6,000 accommodated in hotels. The government estimates that asylum housing costs around £4 billion ($5.34 billion) annually.
Since 2021, Britain has granted sanctuary to over 37,000 Afghans through resettlement schemes and issued approximately 190,000 humanitarian visas last year. The government added that it has secured cooperation from Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding the return of their nationals, following earlier warnings about potential visa restrictions.
Starmer has previously argued that Britain’s asylum policies are more permissive than those in parts of Europe and may act as a pull factor. In November, his government announced plans to make refugee status temporary and accelerate removals of those who arrive illegally. Officials also said that once the asylum system stabilises, new capped “safe and legal routes” will be introduced.
