10,000 entered Britain on study permits before seeking protection, sparking concerns over irregular migration.
Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has disclosed that approximately 10,000 Pakistani nationals travelled to the United Kingdom on student visas in recent years before subsequently applying for political asylum, raising fresh alarms about visa misuse and its impact on the country’s international standing.
The revelation was made by FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior on Tuesday. The parliamentary panel was examining issues related to illegal emigration, human smuggling, and passport policy reforms.
According to Dr Anwar, such practices are damaging Pakistan’s reputation abroad, with several countries, including the UK and European Union nations, expressing concerns over the misuse of visas by Pakistani citizens. Officials noted that irregular migration routes continue to evolve, with some Pakistanis using student and visit visas as a pathway to remain overseas.
Economic Pressures Linked to Growing Visa Violations:
The development comes as the UK grapples with a broader rise in asylum claims from individuals who initially entered on valid visas. British Home Office data has previously highlighted Pakistan among the top nationalities involved in such transitions, alongside countries like Nigeria and Sri Lanka.
Many Pakistanis face acute economic challenges, political instability, and security concerns at home, driving attempts to seek better opportunities or protection abroad. Critics argue that while genuine asylum claims exist, the systematic use of student visas for this purpose strains bilateral relations and risks tighter visa regimes for legitimate Pakistani students and travellers.
FIA officials also flagged other irregular migration trends, including hundreds of Pakistanis who travelled to countries like Belarus and failed to return, using them as transit points toward Europe.
Government Reaction and Global Concerns:
Pakistani authorities have intensified efforts to curb human smuggling networks and illegal emigration. The FIA has been coordinating with international partners to address these issues, including cracking down on fraudulent agents and traffickers who facilitate such journeys.
The UK has in the past imposed restrictions on student and work visas for certain nationalities exhibiting high rates of asylum claims post-arrival. Similar measures could potentially affect Pakistan if trends persist, complicating access for genuine students seeking higher education opportunities in Britain.
Committee members emphasised the need for stronger oversight, awareness campaigns, and reforms to Pakistan’s emigration processes to prevent further reputational harm.