UK to consider restrictions on student visas for Pakistan

The British government is reportedly considering new restrictions on student visa applications from countries with higher rates of asylum claims, including Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.

The potential move is part of broader efforts to reduce annual net migration, which reached 728,000 in the year to June 2023.

According to a government official, the upcoming Immigration White Paper—expected next week—will outline plans to reform the immigration system and address concerns over both legal and illegal migration.

The proposed policy changes follow local election results in England, where the ruling Labour Party faced voter backlash over immigration and other issues.

The Home Office said in a statement that the White Paper would present "a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system."

Official data shows that out of the 108,000 asylum seekers in the UK last year, 16,000 had initially entered the country on student visas.

While the data does not specify nationalities, officials noted that individuals from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka were among the most likely to claim asylum after entering on work, student, or visitor visas.

The proposed changes are expected to be a key part of the Labour government's response to internal calls for a firmer stance on migration, especially in traditional party strongholds.