The UK government is preparing to introduce strict measures targeting international students claiming asylum, as part of a broader push to reduce legal migration and address concerns over misuse of the visa system. The proposals will be detailed in an upcoming immigration white paper set to be released in mid-May, according to sources familiar with the plan.
The move follows a string of local election defeats to Reform UK, prompting ministers to intensify efforts to lower migration numbers. The Home Office reported that 16,000 of the 108,000 asylum claims filed in 2024 were from individuals holding student visas—a figure Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says highlights abuse of the system.
New Rules to Curb Student Visa Abuse and Low-Paid Work Extensions
Government officials argue that many international students claim they can financially support themselves when applying for a visa, only to request asylum once their academic stay concludes. The white paper will include measures to deter such tactics and tighten eligibility around the graduate visa route, which currently allows students to remain in the UK after graduation.
Ministers are also exploring policies to limit international students from taking up low-paid jobs in the UK—a proposal likely to face resistance from the Department for Education and UK universities, which depend heavily on tuition fees from overseas students.
Election Losses to Reform Fuel Migration Debate
The crackdown comes amid rising pressure within the Labour Party following heavy losses to Reform UK, which made major gains in England’s local elections, securing over 600 council seats and several regional victories. Labour MPs from northern constituencies have warned that public discontent over immigration is growing.
Jo White, Labour MP for Bassetlaw and founder of the Red Wall caucus, urged the government to stop “pussyfooting around” and adopt stronger controls, referencing Trump-era policies and calling for digital ID cards and regional grooming gang inquiries.
Internal Labour Debate Reflects Tensions on Migration Policy
While some Labour MPs call for tougher migration stances, others urge the party to refocus on its social mission. MP Rachael Maskell emphasised the need to “protect people” and warned that abandoning Labour’s traditional values would drive voters toward populist alternatives.
MP Emma Lewell-Buck also called for a change of direction, describing the prime minister’s pledge to “move further and faster” as tone deaf. Labour leader Keir Starmer acknowledged public frustration over immigration and other issues, writing in The Times that he understands the “sharp edge of fury” voters feel.
Liberal Democrats Reject Populist Drift
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticised both Labour and Reform, warning against pandering to populism. “The Labour government needs to take Nigel Farage head on, not pander to his attempts to divide our country,” he said, urging a values-based response akin to Canada’s stand against Trump-style politics.
Graduate Visas and Social Care Migration Under Review
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is expected to publish new recommendations calling for reforms to the graduate visa route, limiting its use to genuine graduate-level employment. The think tank also urges ministers to consider closing the visa route for social care workers following recent reports of exploitation.
