UK to Implement Stricter Visa Regulations Following Surge in Asylum Claims
The United Kingdom is preparing to tighten its visa policies for nationals from certain countries, following a significant rise in asylum claims. According to reports, the UK Home Office is scrutinizing countries where visitors are most likely to overstay their visas and claim asylum, resulting in a potential overhaul of the visa system.
In 2024, the UK recorded over 108,000 asylum claims, the highest number since 1979. Of these claims, 10,542 came from Pakistan, making it the top contributor. Sri Lanka and Nigeria followed closely behind, with 2,862 and 2,841 asylum seekers, respectively. This sharp increase in asylum applications has raised concerns within the government regarding the misuse of work and study visas as a gateway for asylum claims.
The proposed crackdown will focus on nationals from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria. Individuals from these nations will face heightened scrutiny when applying for work or study visas, as the Home Office seeks to curb the practice of overstaying visas and claiming asylum once in the UK.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to implement a new system to profile and reject visa applications from those flagged as potential asylum seekers. This includes closer inspection of applicants’ financial statements, particularly those seeking taxpayer-funded accommodation such as hostels, and monitoring their engagement in university courses.
This move comes as the UK seeks to balance the influx of international students and workers with a more robust immigration system, following a rise in net migration to a record high. The government’s new immigration plan, expected to be detailed in an upcoming White Paper, aims to restore order to the UK’s immigration framework.
As the UK grapples with these changes, it will be closely watching how these stricter visa regulations will impact future asylum trends and immigration policies.
