The UK Home Office has suspended study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, following a sharp rise in asylum requests from people who first entered Britain legally.

Under the new “emergency brake” policy, sponsored student visas will stop for the four countries, while skilled worker visas for Afghans have also been frozen. The rule change takes effect on March 26 after an amendment to immigration regulations on March 5.

UK authorities say many applicants arrived on student or work visas and later applied for asylum. Government data shows nearly 135,000 people have taken this route since 2021, accounting for almost 40 per cent of recent asylum claims.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decision was driven by pressure on public funds, noting that thousands of asylum seekers from the affected countries are being supported by taxpayers, with many housed in hotels.

She added that Britain would continue to protect people fleeing war and persecution but warned that the visa system “must not be abused.”

The move is part of wider asylum reforms that now limit refugee status to 30 months before review, instead of five years. Officials say the changes are aimed at reducing irregular migration and restoring control over the border system.

While humanitarian routes will remain open, the visa suspension signals a tougher stance as migration continues to dominate political debate in the UK.