The United Kingdom has suspended the issuance of study visas for citizens of four countries and work visas for Afghans, using what it calls an 'emergency brake' to curb the rising number of asylum applications. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmoud stated in a statement: 'The UK will continue to provide a haven for those fleeing war and persecution, but the visa system must not be abused.' She continued: 'For this reason, we have taken an unprecedented decision to refuse visas to holders of these nationalities who seek to exploit our generosity.' The minister noted that asylum applications from students in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan have more than quintupled between 2021 and 2025. Furthermore, asylum applications from Afghans holding work visas now outnumber the visas issued.
