Home Office Activates Emergency Visa Brake – Student Visa Ban for Four Countries

Emergency visa brake: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, Sudan

It is an interesting fact that of those who claim asylum in the UK a large minority (around 40%) come legally on visas. To some this might seem surprising but it seems that it is true. It is also interesting that these visa holders are of various types: not just visitors but also workers and students.

The Home Office has been concerned about this issue for quite some while now, and in recent times it has taken action with student visa applications. 

Now it has taken things a step further and, for the first time ever, is going to activate an “emergency brake” on visa applications from some countries and in some categories. 

Specifically, student visa applications from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan are going to be paused, for want of a better word, as are Skilled Worker visa applications from Afghanistan. 

We do not have close detail yet; what we do know is that this is supposed to come out in new immigration rules today (5th March), but which will not come into effect until 26th March. 

This is in significant contrast to the announcement a few days ago that asylum leave would from now on be granted for only 30 months at a time: this came into effect even before the new rules had been published. 

In any event will keep you informed as we learn more. 

Oliver Westmoreland

Senior Immigration Lawyer