Tens of thousands of international students are being warned they could face removal from the UK if they remain in the country after their visas expire.

The Home Office has launched a new campaign aimed at tackling what it describes as an “alarming” rise in students applying for asylum once their study visas run out.

For the first time, officials are contacting students directly by text and email to remind them of their obligations under UK immigration rules. Around 10,000 students whose visas are due to expire have already received messages, with more than 130,000 expected to be contacted in the coming months.

The full message tells recipients: “If you submit an asylum claim that lacks merit, it will be swiftly and robustly refused. Any request for asylum support will be assessed against destitution criteria. If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.”

Rise in asylum claims

According to #HomeOffice figures, around 16,000 asylum applications last year were made by people who originally arrived on student visas. This represents nearly six times more than in 2020. Officials say the increase has placed pressure on asylum accommodation and support services.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that while genuine refugees will continue to be supported, students should not be misusing the asylum system.

“If nothing has changed in their country, people should not be claiming asylum at the end of a student course,” she said.

The department also recently announced a reduction in the post-study work period for graduates, cutting it from two years to 18 months. Universities could also face stricter rules on visa sponsorship if refusal or course completion rates fall short of government targets.

Wider migration debate

While much attention has been on people crossing the Channel in small boats, the Home Office says a slightly larger number of asylum applicants last year had entered the UK legally, often through work, study or visitor visas.

Ministers insist the new measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of the immigration system while ensuring that support goes to those who genuinely need protection.

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