World Immigration News

Labour targets international students claiming asylum after election losses to Reform

Release Date: 2025-05-03
Media: The Guardian
Summary: The UK government plans to tighten rules on international students who apply for asylum, aiming to reduce migration figures. A forthcoming immigration white paper will propose measures to prevent abuse of the student visa system, especially after recent local election losses to the Reform Party.

In 2024, out of 108,000 asylum claims, 16,000 were from student visa holders. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper argues this shows people are exploiting the system by claiming financial self-sufficiency upon entry, then seeking asylum when their visa ends.

Ministers are also considering restricting international students from staying in the UK through low-paid jobs—an idea likely to face resistance from universities and the Department for Education.

Labour MPs are divided on how to respond to the rise of Reform. Some urge tougher immigration controls, while others call for more support for vulnerable groups and public services. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey warned against pandering to Reform, calling for principled opposition to populism.

Additionally, the Institute for Public Policy Research is set to recommend reforms to the graduate visa route, limiting it to graduate-level jobs, and possibly closing the visa pathway for care workers due to reports of abuse.
Tags: UK

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