The United Kingdom has introduced new visa restrictions affecting applicants from four countries.
In a statement released by the UK Home Office, authorities confirmed that student visa applications from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan will no longer be approved.
The move, officials said, is aimed at addressing concerns that some individuals have been using legitimate visa pathways as a means to later apply for asylum in Britain.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the action as an “unprecedented step,” stating that the government would refuse visas to nationals believed to be taking advantage of the country’s immigration system.
According to reports, the UK will also pause the issuance of skilled worker visas to Afghan nationals.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, introduced what officials called an “emergency brake” on visa approvals for the affected countries.
The Home Office explained that asylum applications from students originating from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Sudan, and Myanmar increased sharply by more than 470 percent between 2021 and 2025.
Authorities further disclosed that since 2021, nearly 135,000 individuals entered the UK legally on various visas and later filed asylum claims.
In a related development, UK Visas and Immigration previously confirmed that from February 25, 2026, eligible visitors would receive only an eVisa.
This digital document replaces biometric residence permits and visa stickers, allowing travellers to prove their immigration status online through a UKVI account and share code system.
