The UK government is reportedly preparing to introduce tighter visa controls targeting countries with high asylum claim rates, including Sri Lanka, amid growing concerns over migration levels. The move, which could significantly affect Sri Lankan nationals seeking better opportunities abroad due to economic and political instability at home, comes as part of the UK’s broader efforts to reduce net migration.
According to a report by The Times, Sri Lanka is among a list of countries—including Pakistan and Nigeria—under increased scrutiny by the Home Office for visa overstays and asylum claims. The upcoming Immigration White Paper is expected to outline new measures aimed at curbing applications for work and study visas from such nationalities.
Sri Lanka’s deepening economic crisis, compounded by ongoing political tensions, has prompted a surge in migration to countries like the UK, with many citizens viewing migration as the only viable path to financial stability. In some cases, migrants initially entering the UK on legal visas later apply for asylum, citing fears of persecution or economic hardship.
The Labour government, elected with a pledge to manage immigration more effectively, is under pressure to act. In its manifesto, the party promised that net migration figures would be brought under control, arguing that high migration can undermine local workforce development. “Failure to do so reduces the incentives for businesses to train locally,” the party stated.
A spokesperson for the Home Office confirmed that intelligence gathering is underway to identify and prevent visa abuse. “To tackle abuse by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas and go on to claim asylum, we are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster,” the spokesperson said.
The Home Office emphasized that the visa system is under continuous review, and trends that threaten to undermine immigration rules will be swiftly addressed. “Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system,” the spokesperson added.
Recent data indicates a substantial drop in visa applications, with work, study, and family visa requests falling 37% year-on-year—from nearly 1.24 million to 772,200 in the 12 months to March 2025. This decline is largely attributed to stricter rules introduced by the previous Conservative government, such as banning overseas care workers and international students from bringing dependants, and raising the skilled worker salary threshold to £38,700.
The UK’s tougher stance on immigration is likely to affect Sri Lankans disproportionately, especially those fleeing economic despair and seeking greener pastures. As the government tightens its policies, many migrants may find fewer legal avenues available, potentially increasing irregular migration or asylum claims.
With political uncertainty still looming in Sri Lanka and economic recovery slow, the motivations for migration remain strong. However, the UK’s evolving immigration strategy signals that access to such destinations may become increasingly difficult for those hoping to escape crisis through legal means.
