The UK Home Office is launching a campaign to warn international students that they must leave the UK if their visas expire, emphasizing that asylum claims without merit will be refused and support will only be provided to those meeting destitution criteria.

While many asylum claims are legitimate, authorities are increasingly concerned that students are using asylum as a route to stay in the UK illegally.

Approximately 130,000 international students are affected by this new measure, with around 10,000 already contacted via text and email to inform them of the rules.

A significant number of asylum applications—about 16,000 in the year ending June 2025—come from visa holders, predominantly students, reflecting a rising trend since 2020.

Between January and June 2025, 43,600 asylum seekers arrived via small boats, with many being students seeking to stay after their visas expire.

This crackdown on illegal stays is part of broader efforts to control migration, including plans to begin migrant returns to France later in September following a new deal.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the first migrant returns are expected to start soon, under a 'one in, one out' scheme with France.

The government aims to clear all asylum hotels, which currently house migrants until as late as 2029, with discussions in Parliament about accelerating this timeline.

Prime Minister is considering shortening the deadline for emptying these hotels, reflecting a desire to expedite the process.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also announced plans for radical reforms to modernize the asylum system, including revising appeal mechanisms and ending the use of hotels for migrants.

The UK government is suspending new applications for refugee family reunions until new rules are introduced, with reforms expected by spring next year.

Public concern over asylum seeker housing has led to protests, notably at the Bell Hotel in Essex, where an asylum seeker charged with sexual assault was housed.