Rising Visa Abuse Concerns Amid Surge in Asylum Claims by UK Students

Wed Nov 26 2025 06:17:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

UK's Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra addresses the increase in asylum applications from international students and outlines new immigration reforms aimed at curbing visa abuses.

UK's Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra has raised concerns about an uptick in asylum claims from international students following their studies, citing potential visa abuse. As proposed reforms could extend the wait time for permanent settlement and tighten controls on immigration, Malhotra emphasizes the importance of legitimate migration channels. Recent statistics reveal thousands of international students, particularly from India, have sought asylum, prompting fears of exploitation and calls for improved immigration system integrity.

The UK's Indo-Pacific Minister Seema Malhotra recently voiced concerns over a significant rise in asylum claims from international students. During her visit to India, she defended her government's immigration proposals, highlighting the potential for abuse of legal migration routes following study.

Under new plans, many migrants may have to wait up to 20 years for permanent residency, as the qualifying period for indefinite leave is increased from five to ten years. These reforms are aimed at the 2.6 million migrants who arrived in the UK since 2021 and have received mixed reactions from political parties.

Malhotra indicated that over 16,000 international students sought asylum in the UK last year, with an additional 14,800 making similar claims in 2025. These statistics have raised alarm over legal route exploitation and the integrity of the UK immigration system.

While Malhotra reaffirmed the UK’s welcoming stance towards students, she echoed the need for assurances that they are genuinely there for education. Concurrently, a recent report indicated an 11% decline in Indian student enrollments in the UK, attributed to stricter immigration regulations.

The newly signed free trade agreement between the UK and India aims to encourage educational ties, allowing UK universities to establish campuses in India, while also addressing the pressing need for skilled workers in sectors like healthcare.

However, these ambitions face challenges from the domestic political landscape favoring tighter immigration controls. The UK government must balance increasing international collaboration with ensuring a fair and regulated immigration framework.