UK tightens rules to curb work, student visa misuse

The UK government is introducing stricter visa regulations to curb the misuse of work and student visas for asylum claims, British media reported on Wednesday.

The restrictions target nationals from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, according to The Times.

The move forms part of a broader strategy to reduce net migration, which reached 728,000 in the year to June 2024.

BBC reported that tighter screening will apply to visa applicants from nationalities thought "most likely to overstay and claim asylum" in the UK.

Work, study visas

Ministers believe there is a particular problem with those who come to the UK legally on work or study visas and then lodge a claim for asylum – which if granted, would allow them to stay in the country permanently.

Reuters reported that the changes are expected to be detailed in an upcoming “Immigration White Paper”, reflecting the government’s response to increasing political pressure over immigration issues.

A Home Office spokesperson was quoted as saying that the paper will set out a comprehensive plan to "restore order" to the the "broken" immigration system.

Measures

British media stated that the proposed measures will involve:

Profiling models

The Home Office, the government responsible for a wide range of domestic matters, in collaboration with the National Crime Agency, is developing “profiling models” to detect applicants likely to overstay or claim asylum, as per The Guardian.

The reforms are necessary to prevent the exploitation of the visa system and to ensure that resources are allocated to genuine asylum seekers, the agency explained.

Not everyone is happy with the fresh drive.

Critics, including experts from the Migration Observatory, caution that while some abuse exists, the majority of asylum applicants from these countries are granted protection due to legitimate risks of persecution. 

They argue that the effectiveness of the new measures will depend on the accuracy of the profiling models and the quality of intelligence used.

Curbs on universities

Universities UK (UUK) have expressed concern that these restrictions could worsen the financial challenges faced by British universities, which rely heavily on international students for revenue.

A recent survey indicated that 25% of universities have made redundancies, and nearly half have closed courses due to financial strain, the Guardian reported.

Vivienne Stern, the chief executive of Universities UK (UUK), which advocates on behalf of more than 140 institutions, said universities faced “a critical moment” and any new visa restrictions would limit their ability to recruit from abroad and further reduce income.

Universities have already seen a steep decline in recruitment of international students after earlier visa restrictions imposed by the last government – including limits on bringing family and dependents.

Meanwhile, legal experts warn that the policy may face challenges on grounds of discrimination and could potentially overlook individuals in genuine need of protection.