By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The UK government has imposed an emergency brake on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, announcing the measure this week in London to curb rising asylum claims from people who entered legally and later sought protection.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will introduce the new legislation at the Institute for Public Policy Research, outlining how the reforms reflect British values while tightening border controls.
She said Britain will always protect those fleeing war and persecution. However, she stressed that the visa system must not face abuse.
“Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused,” she said.
“I will restore order and control to our borders.”
Diplomatic Pressure Secures Return Agreements
Earlier, the government warned Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo that visa suspensions could follow non-cooperation.
Four months later, those governments agreed to accept return flights. As a result, deportations resumed.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer adopted what officials described as a tougher diplomatic stance to enforce migration rules.
Meanwhile, the government pledged to expand capped safe and legal routes once it restores order to the asylum system.
Since 2021, Britain has resettled more than 37,000 Afghans under two schemes. In 2025 alone, authorities granted 190,000 humanitarian visas.
Between 2010 and 2025, the UK ranked sixth globally for refugees referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Refugee Status Cut to 30 Months
Under the new rules, officials will review refugee status every 30 months. Previously, protection lasted five years before settlement eligibility.
Authorities will expect refugees from countries deemed safe to return home.
However, unaccompanied children will still receive five years’ leave while officials develop a long-term policy.
The changes apply from 2 March. Those already in the UK remain under the previous framework.
Officials argue the shorter protection period will reduce pull factors behind small boat crossings.
Financial Pressures Drive Reform
The Home Secretary said asylum support costs exceed £4 billion annually.
Currently, nearly 16,000 nationals from the four affected countries receive public support. More than 6,000 stay in hotels.
The government claims it has cut the asylum bill by £1 billion since taking office.
Officials also reported that above-average numbers of applicants from the four countries claim destitution.
Legal Route Asylum Claims Rise Sharply
Asylum claims through legal routes now represent nearly 40 percent of all applications.
In 2025, 39 percent of 100,000 asylum applicants entered legally before claiming protection.
Applications from students of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan rose sharply between 2021 and 2025.
Claims from Myanmar increased sixteen-fold. Cameroon and Sudan recorded increases above 330 percent.
Moreover, Afghan asylum claims reached 95 percent of study visas issued during that period.
Although student asylum claims fell by 20 percent in 2025, student visa holders still account for 13 percent of active claims.
In total, 133,760 people have claimed asylum after entering legally over the past five years.
Emergency Brake Takes Effect in March
The Home Office will amend Immigration Rules on 5 March. The changes take effect on 26 March.
The new rules end sponsored study visas for the four countries. Additionally, authorities will suspend skilled worker visas for Afghan nationals.
Officials described the move as unprecedented. They insist it will protect Britain’s asylum system and preserve support for those genuinely in need.
Migration remains a major political issue, especially as Reform UK gains support in opinion polls.
