The Home Secretary emphasizes that the measure is targeted at exploitative use of visas and that the government will maintain protections for genuine refugees.

Earlier reforms announced in November 2024 sought to deter Channel crossings, proposing longer waits for permanent residency and changes to refugee status duration, while expanding some legal pathways.

Home Office officials, led by the Home Secretary, say the visa pauses are to prevent abuse of the system while continuing to offer refuge to those fleeing war and persecution, with the policy taking effect on March 26, 2026.

The government is implementing a visa ban on Afghan nationals and expanding bans on certain study visas, citing rapid growth in asylum claims from arrivals via legal routes, with 39% of 2025 claims coming from study visa pathways.

In addition to the study visa ban for four nationalities, Afghan nationals will also be barred from receiving skilled worker visas.

Officials say the policy is necessary to curb asylum costs, with taxpayers shouldering more than 4 billion pounds annually in asylum support.

The move comes amid internal Labour Party debate and concerns from MPs, peers, and unions about shifting toward more progressive policies in the wake of recent byelections.

The visa ban will take effect through an immigration rules change scheduled for Thursday, marking a formal policy shift.

Labour aims to reduce both legal and illegal immigration amid rising anti-immigration sentiment and growing support for Reform UK.

The policy aligns with Labour’s broader pledge to curb immigration as asylum applications remain high after a record 2024 and elevated levels in 2025.

Upcoming measures include a speech outlining tougher asylum policies, such as limiting refugee status to 30 months and returning claimants from deemed safe countries.

The changes will include periodic reviews of refugee status and incentives for returning refugees to safe countries as part of broader asylum reforms.