The UK government is considering tougher visa rules for people from countries where many applicants later apply for asylum, according to new data obtained by The i Paper.
The Home Office is worried that a growing number of people arriving on work or student visas are staying in the UK to claim asylum, especially from countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan, and Iran.
Why the Government Is Concerned
In 2024, 40,000 people who came to the UK on valid visas ended up claiming asylum. Of those:
-
16,000 were foreign students
-
11,500 came on work visas
Around 10,000 asylum seekers are currently living in free accommodation paid for by the UK government.
The Home Office says some people may be using student or work visas just to enter the UK, with the intention of applying for asylum once here. As a result, they are looking to restrict visas for people from countries with high rates of such behavior.
Nationalities Most Affected
According to recent data:
-
Pakistan: 3,291 asylum claimants
-
Nigeria: 1,926
-
Bangladesh: 1,336
-
Sri Lanka: 1,308
-
India: 906
-
Afghanistan: 848
-
Iran: 562
These are the most common nationalities among those now living in government-provided housing after entering on a visa and later applying for asylum.
Critics Say It’s Unfair
Refugee groups argue that not everyone abusing the system. Some people come to the UK to study or work but later face real danger in their home countries due to war, political changes, or persecution. Many are too afraid to seek asylum until they feel safe in the UK.
Kama Petruczenko from the Refugee Council said the government is wrong to assume that all asylum seekers from these countries are misusing the system. Some genuinely need protection, she said.
Expert Warnings
Professor Brian Bell from the Migration Advisory Committee warned that using nationality alone to make visa decisions could be legally risky and unfair. He said most people from these countries do not overstay their visas or seek asylum.
He also suggested that rather than banning or restricting visas based on nationality, the Home Office should screen applications more carefully, checking for things like financial support and genuine intentions.
Dr. Peter Walsh from the Migration Observatory said that this approach might lead to diplomatic tensions and legal challenges over discrimination. However, he noted the government has broad powers to change immigration rules.
Government’s Position
A Home Office spokesperson said they are serious about stopping abuse of the immigration system and want to block people from using visas as a “backdoor” way to claim asylum.
They also acknowledged that housing asylum seekers—especially in hotels—is very costly, and speeding up decisions could save money.
This potential visa crackdown is part of a broader government effort to tighten immigration controls and reduce costs related to asylum processing.
Source: LIIE IMMIGRATION
