The United Kingdom government has halted study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, marking the first time it has imposed what it described as an emergency brake on specific countries.
Work visas for Afghans have also been suspended.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision followed concerns that increasing numbers of people from the affected countries were entering Britain through legal routes before applying for asylum.
She said on Tuesday: “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.”
Home Office data shows that 39 per cent of the 100,000 people who claimed asylum in 2025 arrived in the UK through legal migration channels, including study visas.
According to officials, asylum claims from students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan accounted for a significant share of the increase recorded between 2021 and September 2025.
The changes will take effect on Thursday through an amendment to the immigration rules.
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Mahmood had earlier warned that visas for Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could face a similar suspension in November if their governments failed to cooperate on returns.
Following talks, the three countries reached agreements with the UK, leading to deportation flights and the return of some nationals.
The home secretary is expected to announce further measures to tighten the asylum system in a speech on Thursday. She has already confirmed that, from this week, newly recognised refugees will be granted temporary status lasting 30 months.
Under the revised approach, asylum claimants from countries considered safe by the UK government will now be expected to return home.
The announcement comes amid pressure from some Labour MPs, peers and affiliated unions urging Keir Starmer’s government to adopt more progressive policies after the party finished third in last week’s Gorton and Denton by-election.