UK Mulls Visa Restrictions for High-Risk Nationalities

LONDON: The United Kingdom is considering imposing limitations on visa applications originating from countries with a higher likelihood of overstaying their visas and seeking asylum, according to recent reports.

The Times newspaper suggests that the Home Office may place restrictions on work and study visa applications from specific nations, including Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.

The anticipated measures are expected to be unveiled as part of the forthcoming Immigration White Paper, as the government aims to decrease net migration figures.

The Labour party has previously stated its intention to manage and control net migration, asserting that failure to do so diminishes the incentives for businesses to invest in local training.

A Home Office representative stated that they are gathering data on individuals who misuse work and study visas to claim asylum, intending to identify them more efficiently. The spokesperson added that the visa system is continuously monitored, and action will be taken if any trends undermine immigration regulations.

The spokesperson also mentioned the upcoming Immigration White Paper, outlining a comprehensive strategy to restore order to the immigration system.

Recent data indicates a considerable decrease in visa applications for key routes into the UK. Applications across worker, student, and family visa categories totaled 772,200 in the year leading up to March 2025, a 37% decrease from the previous year’s total of nearly 1.24 million, according to Home Office data.

This decline likely reflects alterations to legal migration rules implemented earlier in 2024, including restrictions on overseas care workers and students bringing family members, as well as a substantial increase in the salary requirement for skilled workers to £38,700.