London, (Special Correspondent) — The UK Home Secretary has announced an emergency suspension of student and work visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Sudan, and Myanmar.

According to the government, the decision was taken amid concerns that the visa system was being used as a “backdoor” route to claim asylum, resulting in a sharp rise in asylum applications.

The Home Office stated that thousands of individuals who arrived in the UK on legal visas last year subsequently applied for asylum, placing what officials described as a significant financial burden on the public purse.

The Home Secretary warned that additional countries could face similar restrictions if misuse of the visa system continues.