UK Plans Tighter Visas for High-Risk Countries

The UK government, led by Labour, plans new restrictions on work and study visas for nationals from countries identified as high risk for overstaying, particularly Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. These proposals are driven partly by a net migration figure of 728,000 to June 2024 and recent voter backlash over immigration in local elections. The forthcoming Immigration White Paper, expected next week, will propose measures including enhanced intelligence gathering, profiling in collaboration with the National Crime Agency, and stricter checks on applicants' financial documents. Critics highlight a lack of up-to-date data on overstayers and warn that the targeted approach could lead to diplomatic and legal challenges over discrimination. Migration experts also question whether the changes will significantly reduce asylum claims. The government argues the reforms are necessary to restore order and reduce perceived abuses in the immigration system.