The UK government is considering restricting student visa applications from countries deemed most likely to claim asylum as part of efforts to reduce annual net migration, according to a government official.
This proposal follows backlash against Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, which faced voter dissatisfaction over immigration issues in last week’s local elections.
A government “white paper” expected next week will outline plans to address net migration, which reached 728,000 in the year to June. The Home Office stated that the document will present measures to overhaul the immigration system.
In 2024, 16,000 asylum seekers in the UK held student visas, but the government did not specify their nationalities. However, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka are identified as the countries most likely to produce asylum claims after individuals enter on student, work, or visitor visas.
Following disappointing election results, some Labour MPs urged the government to take stronger action on reducing migration. Jo White, representing “Red Wall” constituencies, called for a more aggressive approach.
