UK bars students and workers from four countries under new immigration rules
Foreign students and workers from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Sudan, and Myanmar are now barred from entering the UK as a result of new measures announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, reports BritPanorama.
This decision follows significant abuse of the visa system, where many migrants claimed asylum after arriving in the country under student or worker visas. Such actions have contributed to an overwhelming demand for asylum accommodations, with many migrants being housed in taxpayer-funded hotels.
For the first time, the Home Secretary is implementing an “emergency brake” on student applications from the aforementioned countries, asserting that these migrants are “seeking to exploit our generosity.” The move aligns with a notable increase in the number of asylum claims from these nations, with reports indicating nearly a sixfold rise since 2021.
The suspension also applies to skilled worker visas from Afghanistan due to similar concerns of widespread system abuse. Last year, the number of asylum claims from migrants outstripped the number of work visas issued, with nearly 40% of asylum claims in the past year originating from individuals who had switched from other types of visas.
Last year saw a sharp increase in the asylum claims, which have more than tripled compared to five years ago. Mahmood stated: “Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused. That is why I am taking the unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity. I will restore order and control to our borders.”
According to the Home Office, around 133,760 migrants have claimed asylum in the UK after arriving on work, study, or visitor visas in the past five years, with an notably high number of those from the four sanctioned countries representing destitute claims that allow asylum support.
The indefinite suspension of visas for these countries is subject to review as part of a broader clampdown on immigration that is set to be unveiled in detail on Thursday. The Home Secretary is expected to announce additional hard-line reforms aimed at curtailing abuse of the asylum system.
Starting next month, the government will take steps to expedite the removal process for illegal migrants attempting to stall their deportation by introducing new evidence. This policy overhaul aims to streamline processing and free up resources, allowing officials to make nearly 1,500 additional decisions each year.
Mahmood’s crackdown is positioned as a crucial political test for her, particularly following recent criticism from left-wing politicians who linked her hardline stance to Labour’s losses in local elections.
As the government moves forward with these changes, the implications for international students and skilled workers seeking opportunities in the UK are significant, underscoring ongoing tensions in the immigration debate.
This evolving situation reflects deeper challenges within the UK’s immigration policy framework and raises questions about balancing the need for qualified individuals against the perceived risks of system abuse.
