(March 3): Britain said on Tuesday it would block study visas ‌for nationals from four countries and halt work visas for Afghans, using what it called an "emergency brake" to curb rising asylum claims from people entering through legal routes. It also said claims by Afghans on work ​visas were now outstripping the number of visas issued. "That is why I am taking ​the unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity." Asylum claims trebling since 2021According to the government, asylum claims made after entering on legal visas have more than trebled since 2021 and ‌accounted for ⁠39% of the 100,000 people who applied last year. Britain has granted sanctuary to more than 37,000 Afghans through ​resettlement schemes since 2021 and issued about 190,000 humanitarian visas last year.

Source: The Edge Markets March 04, 2026 02:08 UTC