Britain tightens visa rules for several countries as lawmakers question why Pakistan, the largest source of asylum claims, has not yet faced similar restrictions
WEB DESK: The United Kingdom has tightened immigration scrutiny as part of a broader crackdown on what officials call “asylum abuse,” sparking debate over why Pakistan has so far avoided visa restrictions despite recording the highest number of asylum applications.
According to reports, the UK government recently introduced an “emergency brake” on visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The move, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, halts sponsored study visas and certain skilled worker visas from these countries following a surge in asylum claims by people entering Britain legally.
Official figures show Pakistani nationals filed 10,638 asylum claims in 2024, nearly double the previous year and more than applicants from Eritrea, Iran, or Afghanistan. Most entered the UK through student, work, or visitor visas before seeking asylum.
Despite the high numbers, more than 70% of Pakistani claims are rejected, yet deportations remain limited. In 2025, over 10,800 claims were refused, but only 445 individuals were returned, raising concerns about enforcement.
Officials say Pakistan’s cooperation with British authorities on repatriation may explain why it has not faced the same visa restrictions. However, political pressure is mounting. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the low removal rate and called for stricter visa limits for Pakistani nationals.
British authorities have warned that countries failing to accept deported citizens could face penalties, including visa service suspensions, as the government seeks tighter control over immigration and asylum systems.
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