Three Sudanese women are challenging the UK's "visa brake" policy in the Royal Court of Justice. The policy, enacted in March 2026 , allows ministers to temporarily halt student visas from countries including Sudan. The students argue the policy is unfair. It restricts genuine applicants and disrupts their study plans.
Legal Challenge Launched
The women are represented by Duncan Lewis law firm. Their case questions the policy's legality. The policy grants ministers power to stop visas from specific nations like Afghanistan, Cameroon, Sudan, and Myanmar. A verdict could significantly impact international students seeking UK education.
Two claimants are doctors. One is a pharmacist with degrees from Oxford University and University College London. They state the Home Secretary would see their sole intention is to study. They have no plans to remain in the UK after their courses. Their solicitor told the High Court the government selected Sudan arbitrarily. This was without evidence of visa abuse by Sudanese nationals.
Policy Justification and Counterarguments
The lawsuit alleges the government failed to explore alternatives to a complete ban. This ban prevents foreign nationals from entering the UK. The official reason for the policy is to combat "visa abuse." This includes claims of foreign nationals filing for asylum falsely. However, the claimants state the Home Secretary did not investigate these claims. The Home Secretary acknowledged this point.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood claims the policy targets asylum claims. She stated asylum applications from affected countries rose over 470% in four years . "Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution," Mahmood said. "But our visa system must not be abused."
Impact and Future Outlook
The judgment is expected next week. It will be heard with another student legal challenge. The claimants noted only 120 Sudanese women sought asylum until September. This is out of over 110,000 total UK claims. These women have strong academic records. They secured places at top universities worldwide. The claimants' attorney expressed disappointment. They believe nationality should not deny talented women opportunities.
University College London agreed to defer admissions for one year. This gives the students time to secure funding if they are successful. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for international students.
