LONDON: More than 11,000 Pakistani nationals reportedly took advantage of loopholes in the UK visa system to apply for political asylum in 2024, according to The Telegraph.
Out of 40,000 asylum applications filed in the UK this year, over 11,000 were submitted by Pakistanis, marking a five-fold increase since 2022.
With these numbers, Pakistan ranks first among 175 countries, and all applicants had entered the UK legally via visit, work, or student visas.
UK Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the misuse of the border visa system as a “complete failure” of the government, emphasizing that strong and decisive measures are urgently needed to prevent further exploitation.
Earlier,UK government had unveiled major reforms to its immigration and asylum policies, significantly increasing the waiting period for permanent residency and tightening eligibility criteria.
Under the new proposals, migrants who enter the UK legally may have to wait up to 20 years to apply for settlement, while those who enter illegally could face a 30-year wait. The rules will also apply retrospectively to individuals already living in the country.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told Parliament that applicants for permanent residency must have no criminal record, demonstrate A-level standard English, and be free of any outstanding debts in the UK.
The reforms extend the required period of residence from 5 years to 10 years for most categories. Exceptions have been made for certain high-priority groups:
NHS doctors and nurses can apply after 5 years.
Highly skilled workers will benefit from fast-track processing.
Entrepreneurs and high earners may apply after 3 years, a move intended to encourage investment and economic activity.
