The United Kingdom is planning new visa restrictions targeting nationals from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The move aims to reduce visa abuse and overhaul the current immigration system.
A report by The Times revealed the UK Home Office identified these nationals as likely to overstay their visas.
Many of them reportedly apply for asylum after overstaying, seeking permanent residency status.
UK officials plan to introduce stricter conditions for student and work visa applicants from the affected countries.
The Home Office confirmed the proposal as part of its broader immigration reform agenda.
“Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will outline a comprehensive plan,” said a Home Office spokesperson.
The paper aims to restore control over immigration and enforce stricter compliance.
Officials claim that visa abuse undermines the UK’s immigration policies and public confidence.
New measures may include tougher financial requirements and tighter vetting procedures.
The Home Office is investing in data-driven systems to detect high-risk applicants early.
Intelligence tools will help flag individuals likely to exploit visa channels.
“We constantly review the visa system,” the Home Office added in a statement.
“When trends threaten our rules, we act without delay,” the spokesperson stated.
The proposed visa rules are expected to be detailed later in May.
The reforms will appear in the UK’s long-awaited Immigration White Paper.
Officials say the changes reflect concerns over rising asylum claims by visa overstayers.
The Home Office insists the policy is evidence-based, not nationality-biased.
Recent statistics suggest rising overstays among certain visa categories.
UK lawmakers have called for immigration policies that better serve national interest.
Critics warn the move could affect diplomatic ties with Commonwealth nations.
Nigerians form one of the largest groups of foreign students in the UK.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka also contribute significant numbers to the UK workforce.
The UK has recently expanded visa centers in Enugu and Port Harcourt.
Analysts say the move supports legitimate applicants despite looming restrictions.
New visa rules may include biometric tracking and follow-up checks.
UK ministers say reforms will prioritize skilled workers and genuine students.
Some international students fear rejection under the new scrutiny.
Human rights groups urge transparency and fairness in the planned reforms.
The UK says the policy targets abuse, not legal migration.
Details of the reform will shape future UK-Commonwealth migration dynamics.
The Home Office confirmed that updates will be published later this month.
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