UK Home Office plans visa restrictions for high-risk nationalities

The UK government is planning to restrict visa applications from countries identified as having high rates of overstaying and subsequent asylum claims, specifically targeting applicants from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. The move is part of efforts by the Labour Party to reduce net migration and tackle abuses of the visa system, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper proposing that visas be rejected for individuals fitting certain risk profiles from these countries. Home Office officials highlight that nearly 40% of asylum claimants are migrants who have overstayed their visas, often remaining in the UK due to legal and logistical challenges of deportation. Critics, including opposition politicians and refugee advocates, argue that the proposed crackdown may be more performative than substantive and emphasize the importance of fair asylum processes for those facing genuine risks. Recent data shows a significant drop in visa applications following earlier restrictions, with applications for key routes falling by over a third in the past year. The visa crackdown is expected to be part of a broader immigration policy initiative, though some measures may be implemented ahead of the upcoming Immigration White Paper.