UK considers visa restrictions for students from high asylum-risk countries

The British government is considering restricting student visas for individuals from countries deemed more likely to result in asylum claims, as part of efforts to reduce net migration. The move follows local election setbacks for the Labour Party, amid voter concerns over immigration.

A new immigration white paper, expected next week, will outline plans to address rising migration levels, which reached 728,000 in the year to June 2023. The Home Office said the document aims to “restore order to our broken immigration system.”

Official data shows that 16,000 of the 108,000 asylum seekers last year initially entered the UK on student visas. While nationality breakdowns were not provided, the government cited Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka as the most likely sources of asylum claims via work, student, or visitor visas.

Labour MPs have called for tougher measures, with some urging the government to take a firmer stance on reducing migration.