UK plans visa restrictions on Sri Lanka

• Pakistan and Nigeria too face restriction challenges 
• Officials claim that some enter legally and apply for asylum later
• Move could affect Sri Lankans planning to study or work in the UK

The UK government is considering restricting visa applications from Sri Lanka as part of a broader immigration crackdown aimed at curbing abuse of work and study visas.  

According to reports in The Times, Sri Lanka is among countries—alongside Pakistan and Nigeria—whose nationals may face tighter controls due to concerns over overstaying and asylum claims.   

The UK Home Office said the upcoming Immigration White Paper will outline measures to “restore order” to the system.  

While no specific statistics on visa overstaying have been released since 2020, officials claim that some individuals enter legally and later apply for asylum, allowing them to remain in the UK.  

The move could affect Sri Lankans planning to study or work in the UK, with details expected later this month.