The UK government has announced new visa restrictions affecting nationals from four countries following a rise in asylum claims from individuals who originally entered the UK through legal visa routes.
According to an official announcement published by the UK government, an “emergency brake” will be applied to certain visa categories for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.
What Has Been Announced?
The Home Office has confirmed the following measures:
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Sponsored Student visas will no longer be issued to nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.
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Skilled Worker visas will also be stopped for Afghan nationals.
The government states that the decision follows a significant increase in asylum claims from individuals who entered the UK through legal visa routes.
Why the Change Has Been Introduced
The announcement states that asylum applications from students of the four countries increased by more than 470% between 2021 and 2025.
Government data also indicates that:
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Asylum claims from legal routes have more than tripled since 2021
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Around 39% of the 100,000 asylum applications last year came from people who arrived legally
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Approximately 133,760 people have claimed asylum after entering the UK legally in the past five years
The government says the measures are intended to address what it describes as “visa abuse” and to maintain control of the immigration system.
Statement from the Home Secretary
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:
“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.”
When Will the Changes Take Effect?
The government has confirmed the following timeline:
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Immigration Rules change announced: 5 March 2026
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Policy comes into force: 26 March 2026
Official Source
You can read the full announcement on the UK government website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/visa-brake-imposed-on-4-countries-after-widespread-visa-abuse