The United Kingdom (UK) is set to implement new visa restrictions targeting nationals of Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, following internal reviews of immigration trends.

According to a report by The Times, the move is part of broader efforts by the UK Home Office, in collaboration with the National Crime Agency (NCA), to reduce the number of individuals who overstay their visas or later file asylum claims.

The proposed immigration policy changes are likely to impact two major categories: the Skilled Worker visa (Tier 4) and the Student visa (Tier 2). These visa routes are commonly used by foreign professionals and international students from these countries to legally enter the UK.

Authorities say internal assessments reveal that applicants from Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are statistically more likely to breach visa terms and subsequently apply for asylum.

“The U.K. Home Office, working alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA), is developing data-driven models aimed at helping caseworkers flag visa applicants—particularly those applying for work or study permits—who may be using legal entry routes as a means to file future asylum claims,” The Times reported.

This policy shift comes amid growing political and public pressure on the UK government to tighten immigration controls and curb the surge in asylum applications from people who initially entered the country legally.

Government figures released in March 2025 revealed that nearly 10,000 individuals who sought asylum in 2023 had first arrived on student or work visas. A significant number were later housed in government-funded accommodations, including hotels.

Nigerian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan nationals reportedly made up the largest portion of these asylum cases.

However, the proposed profiling method has sparked criticism. Immigration analysts and civil rights groups are questioning the fairness, accuracy, and ethical justification of flagging applicants based on nationality or predictive data.