The Dwelling Workplace described the suspension as an “unprecedented” step, marking the primary time such sweeping bans have been imposed on particular nationalities.
Dwelling Secretary Shabana Mahmood (Picture: Getty)
The Authorities is about to concern a bombshell ban on visas for nationals from 4 nations, as Dwelling Secretary Shabana Mahmood accused them of exploiting Britain’s generosity to assert asylum. Examine visas for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan have been halted, as have work visas for Afghans.
Ministers say the transfer comes amid mounting proof that some people are utilizing authorized migration routes as a backdoor to lodge asylum claims as soon as within the UK. The Dwelling Workplace described the suspension as an “unprecedented” step, marking the primary time such sweeping visa bans have been imposed on particular nationalities.
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Mahmood says no assure small boat crossings will fall by subsequent 12 months
Ms Mahmood stated: “Britain will all the time present refuge to folks fleeing warfare and persecution, however our visa system should not be abused.
“That’s the reason I’m taking the unprecedented choice to refuse visas for these nationals searching for to use our generosity.
“I’ll restore order and management to our borders.”
In keeping with Dwelling Workplace figures, round 39 % of the 100,000 individuals who claimed asylum in 2025 had initially entered the UK by way of a authorized route, corresponding to a research visa.
Asylum claims from college students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan account for the majority of a pointy rise recorded between 2021 and September 2025, officers stated.
The visa ban will formally come into pressure by way of a change to immigration guidelines on Thursday.
The Dwelling Secretary beforehand threatened a blanket halt on UK visas for Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in November except their governments agreed to just accept the return of unlawful migrants.
That warning prompted co-operation agreements with all three nations, paving the best way for deportation flights to renew.
Ms Mahmood is predicted to unveil additional plans to tighten the UK’s asylum system in a speech on Thursday.
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