UK tightens visa rules as the Home Office imposes stricter restrictions on nationals from countries with high rates of asylum claims, including Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka, in a broader crackdown on immigration abuse. Under the new measures, work and study visa applications will face tougher scrutiny, with officials using financial records and behavioural patterns to identify those likely to overstay. The move aims to prevent legal visas from being exploited as a backdoor into the UK’s asylum system.
Targeting System Abuse
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has raised concerns over the sharp rise in visa holders later claiming asylum—40,000 last year alone, including 16,000 former foreign students. Nearly 10,000 were housed in taxpayer-funded accommodation, placing strain on public resources.
Key changes include:
- Rejecting visas for applicants matching profiles of likely asylum seekers.
- Scrutinising bank statements to challenge claims of destitution.
- Working with the National Crime Agency to identify potential smuggling links.
Graduate Visa Crackdown
Foreign graduates may also face stricter rules, requiring them to secure skilled jobs or leave the UK. The reforms follow political pressure after Reform UK’s strong local election performance, pushing Labour to act on its immigration pledges.
Criticism and Legal Risks
As the UK tightens visa rules, opponents argue the policy is discriminatory and could face legal challenges. Refugee advocates warn that restricting asylum access based on nationality risks denying safety to those genuinely fleeing persecution.
A Home Office spokesperson responded: ‘We will take action where we detect abuse of the system.’
Full details of how the UK tightens visa rules will be outlined in next week’s Immigration White Paper – a key test of Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to reduce net migration.
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