The UK Home Office has announced a major immigration policy change, revealing that study visa applications from four countries will no longer be approved with immediate effect.
According to the government, the decision is part of a broader effort to address rising concerns over visa misuse.
In a statement shared on Thursday, March 26, the affected countries were listed as Sudan, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Myanmar.
Explaining the move, the Home Office stated:
“Our crackdown on visa abuse is now in force. From today, study visas will be refused for applicants from Sudan, Afghanistan, Cameroon and Myanmar.”
While introducing the restriction, the UK government emphasized that its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals remains unchanged.
It noted:
“We will always offer sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing danger, but we must stop those exploiting our generosity.”
Additional details released on the government’s official platform pointed to a sharp rise in asylum claims linked to individuals who initially entered through legal routes.
The report explained:
“An ‘emergency brake’ on visas has been imposed for the first time on nationals from 4 countries following a surge in asylum claims from legal routes.”
It also highlighted a significant increase in applications, stating:
“By the year ending September 2025, asylum applications by students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan had risen to over 470% of their 2021 level.”
The update further noted:
“Meanwhile, the number of Afghans on work visas claiming asylum is now outstripping the number of visas issued…”
See the post below:
Find out more 🔗 https://t.co/RHaUwsyPbF
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) March 26, 2026
