concerns
ISLAMABAD: At least nine leading British universities have temporarilysuspended new admissions from Pakistan and Bangladesh following a sharprise in asylum claims by students arriving on study visas, official sourcesconfirmed on Thursday.
The decision comes after the United Kingdom Home Office imposed strictercompliance requirements on higher education institutions sponsoringinternational students from the two countries. According to a report by theFinancial Times, British authorities have effectively paused the issuanceof student visas to applicants from Pakistan and Bangladesh while newsafeguards are implemented.
University officials told the newspaper that the institutions could nolonger issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letters toprospective students from the affected countries until further notice. Theuniversities include several members of the prestigious Russell Group,though none have been officially named by the government.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that the measures were introduced toaddress concerns over the misuse of the student route. Data releasedearlier this year showed a significant increase in asylum applicationslodged by individuals who entered the UK on student visas from Pakistan andBangladesh. In 2024 alone, thousands of such students reportedly appliedfor protection after arrival, citing political or religious persecution intheir home countries.
The suspension has caused widespread anxiety among thousands of Pakistaniand Bangladeshi students who had secured offers for the January 2025intake. Many have already paid substantial deposits and made travelarrangements. Education consultants in both countries described thedevelopment as a major setback for legitimate students pursuing highereducation in Britain.
The British government has emphasised that the restrictions are temporaryand limited to new applications. Students already holding valid visas willnot be affected, officials clarified. Universities have been asked tostrengthen pre-enrolment screening and demonstrate robust compliance withimmigration rules before sponsorship privileges are fully restored.
Pakistani officials have expressed concern over the blanket measures,arguing that they unfairly penalise genuine students. The Higher EducationCommission of Pakistan is reportedly in discussions with Britishcounterparts to seek clarification and explore possible exemptions forverified applicants.
The development marks another tightening of Britain’s post-Brexitimmigration system, which has already seen a substantial reduction inoverall student visa grants since the introduction of new dependentrestrictions last year.
Source:https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-on-student-visa-compliance-measures
Tags: United Kingdom, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Home Office, Russell Group,Asylum
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