The United Kingdom government has imposed an “emergency brake” on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, citing a sharp rise in asylum claims from individuals who initially entered the country through legal migration routes, official sources say.

Under the new policy announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the UK will halt the issuance of new study visas to citizens of the four countries while authorities review immigration controls and asylum procedures. The move also suspends work visa issuance for Afghan nationals as part of broader measures to curb misuse of legal entry routes.

The government said the action responds to statistics showing that nearly 39 per cent of asylum claims in 2025 were filed by people who first arrived on legal visas, with a significant increase in claims by students from the four affected countries. Officials noted asylum claims from these nationals have surged considerably since 2021, prompting concern that the visa pathway is being used as a “back door” to seek refuge.

The New Indian ExpressMs Mahmood said while the UK remains open to providing refuge to people fleeing persecution, it must ensure its visa system is not exploited and that Australia-style immigration policies are balanced with robust border control. The emergency brake is being introduced through a change in immigration rules and marks a significant shift in British migration policy.