The United Kingdom has temporarily suspended the issuance of student visas for applicants from Pakistan and Bangladesh, placing both countries in the high-risk category. Following the new stricter policy, at least nine major UK universities have halted admissions for students from these two countries.
According to the Financial Times, UK authorities revealed that many students were applying for political asylum shortly after entering the country on student visas, raising serious concerns about potential misuse of the visa system. Due to these concerns, scrutiny of Pakistani and Bangladeshi student applications has been significantly tightened.
Under the new guidelines, UK universities may only admit students who can clearly demonstrate that their purpose is solely educational. Any applicant suspected of attempting to exploit the visa system or misuse exemptions will be denied admission. Recent reports indicate that about 20% of Pakistani student visa applications are currently being rejected.
Meanwhile, the deportation of 22-year-old British-Pakistani Muhammad Azaan has been halted by a UK tribunal. Despite past allegations including drug dealing, shoplifting, school expulsion, and bringing a knife to class, the tribunal ruled in his favor, noting he was considered a “star student.”
UK authorities stated that any attempt to gain permanent residency under the guise of education will not be tolerated, and universities have been instructed to conduct stringent vetting before granting admissions.
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