UK’s partial study visa ban ‘will drive people to small boats’, campaigners say

Shabana Mahmood said it was an ‘abuse’ for people from the four countries to claim asylum in the UK after finishing their studies. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

A ban on students coming to the UK from four countries where there is war and human rights abuses will drive more people to use small boats, campaigners have said.

The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced a ban on student visas from Sudan, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Cameroon on Tuesday evening. It will come into force on 26 March.