Story perspectives

UK Rejects Visa Protections for Students from Conflict Zones

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK Home Office rejected Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's appeal to shield students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan from immigration restrictions.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood suspended student visas for those countries, citing a surge in asylum claims.
Critics say the visa-exploitation claim is misleading, noting only 120 Sudanese students sought asylum last year.
Labour MPs warned the policy could affect the party's support after Sudanese students expressed shock.

1 of 1

Story summary

The UK Home Office rejected Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's appeal to shield students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan from immigration restrictions.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood suspended student visas for those countries, citing a surge in asylum claims.
Critics say the visa-exploitation claim is misleading, noting only 120 Sudanese students sought asylum last year.
Labour MPs warned the policy could affect the party's support after Sudanese students expressed shock.