Britain Suspends Study Visas For Afghans

The Government of the United Kingdom said it has suspended the issuance of student visas for citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, as well as work visas for Afghan nationals.

Shabana Mahmood said in a statement on Tuesday, March 3, that Britain will continue to offer refuge to those fleeing war and persecution, but the visa system must not be exploited.

The Home Office said asylum applications from students of those countries rose by more than 470% between 2021 and 2025.

It added that a significant portion of individuals seeking asylum legally had initially entered Britain on student visas.

Although asylum claims from students declined by 20% in 2025, the Home Office said 13% of total applications still came from individuals who arrived on study visas.

Officials said the suspension is aimed at preventing misuse of migration routes while maintaining protections for genuine refugees.

Britain has tightened immigration controls in recent years amid political pressure to reduce overall migration levels. The decision is expected to affect hundreds of prospective Afghan students and workers who had planned to travel to the UK.

Human rights advocates have warned that restricting visa pathways could limit safe and legal routes for vulnerable individuals. The government said it will keep the policy under review while assessing future migration and asylum trends.

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