Why is Pakistan Under the Spotlight Amid UK Visa Restrictions?

Pakistan is under scrutiny as the UK enforces new visa restrictions targeting countries with high asylum claims. Despite being a major source of asylum seekers, Pakistan's deportation rates remain low. In 2024, the number of Pakistani nationals applying for asylum nearly doubled compared to the previous year. With over 70% of these claims being rejected, the question arises: why are so few deported? This article delves into the complexities of Pakistan's immigration situation and the UK's evolving policies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 20:04 IST

Pakistan's Deportation Dilemma

Islamabad: Pakistan is currently facing increased scrutiny regarding its low deportation rates, particularly as the UK imposes visa bans on certain countries with high asylum claims, according to local news sources.

This situation arises shortly after the UK introduced an 'emergency brake' on visas for individuals from four countries due to a surge in asylum applications through legal channels. The UK Home Office has decided to terminate sponsored study visas for citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, as well as skilled worker visas for Afghans, as reported by Pakistan's prominent newspaper, Dawn.

When questioned about the absence of visa restrictions targeting Pakistan, despite it being the leading source of individuals entering the UK on legal visas and subsequently seeking asylum, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, 'This is not the end of the action we will take.'

'This marks the beginning, not the conclusion, of our actions in this domain,' she further elaborated.

However, Mahmood did not disclose whether there were ongoing discussions with other countries regarding potential visa limitations.

Sources from both the Pakistani and UK governments indicated that while Islamabad is collaborating with British authorities on the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers, the number of Pakistani students who later apply for asylum remains significantly high, as reported by Dawn.

Official statistics reveal that Pakistani nationals represent the largest group of asylum seekers in the UK, constituting approximately one in ten applications. In 2024, 10,638 Pakistanis sought asylum, nearly double the figure from 2023, surpassing applicants from Eritrea, Iran, and Afghanistan. Many of these individuals initially enter the UK through legal means, such as student, work, or visitor visas, before filing for asylum.

Despite over 70% of Pakistani asylum claims being denied, government data shows that only a small fraction of unsuccessful applicants are deported. According to statistics from the UK Home Office, 10,853 Pakistani asylum claims were rejected in 2025, yet only 445 individuals were deported back to Pakistan during that same timeframe, indicating a deportation rate of approximately 4.1% for rejected applicants.