London, December 5, 2025 (Agencies) – Several universities in the United Kingdom have suspended or restricted admissions for students from Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing concerns over visa compliance and rising asylum claims. According to reports, institutions including the University of Chester, University of Wolverhampton, University of East London, University of Sunderland, and Coventry University have temporarily halted recruitment from both countries, classifying them as “high-risk” under Home Office guidelines.
Officials stated that the decision follows a sharp increase in visa refusal rates and asylum applications filed by students entering on study and work visas. The University of Chester has announced that it will not accept applications from Pakistan and Bangladesh until autumn 2026, while other institutions have introduced stricter screening measures for applicants.
UK Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle emphasized that the student visa system must not be used as a “backdoor” to remain in the country, warning universities of potential penalties if compliance thresholds are breached. The move has raised concerns among genuine applicants from both Pakistan and Bangladesh, who fear disruption to their academic plans and uncertainty over future opportunities.
Education experts noted that students from Pakistan and Bangladesh form a significant portion of international applicants to UK universities, and the suspension could impact both diversity and tuition revenue. Diplomatic engagement with London is expected, as stakeholders in Islamabad and Dhaka call for measures to safeguard opportunities for legitimate students while addressing immigration concerns.