The UK government has imposed an “emergency brake” on study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, effective March 26, 2026, due to a surge in asylum claims from these countries. This unprecedented move aims to curb visa abuse, with 133,760 people claiming asylum after arriving legally in the UK between 2021 and 2025.
Affected Countries are Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, Sudan.
The Home Office cited a 470% increase in asylum applications from these countries between 2021 and 2025, with Afghan asylum claims accounting for 95% of study visas issued. Applications by students from Myanmar rose sixteen-fold, while claims from Cameroon and Sudan increased by more than 330%.
Impact on Students: Existing visa holders are not affected and can still apply for in-country visa extensions or switch to other immigration routes. New applications from affected countries will be refused, even if a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is held.
Universities have been advised to pause recruitment of students from these countries to avoid breaching visa compliance rules.
The ban is expected to last approximately 18 months, but this is subject to review. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, “Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused”.
The UK government aims to reduce asylum claims and restore control over the asylum system. Asylum support currently costs over £4 billion annually, with nearly 16,000 nationals from the four countries supported at public expense.
