London: The British government has launched a direct messaging campaign to caution overseas students, including Indians, against overstaying visas or claiming asylum as their study visas expire.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted plans to fix a “broken” asylum system and overhaul the appeals system. An 'Immigration White Paper' released earlier this year flagged problems with the misuse of student visas, leading to increasing asylum claims from foreign students at the end of their courses.

“Up to 15,000 students each year end up claiming asylum as they come to the end of their visa, even when conditions in their home country haven't changed. We need to clamp down on that misuse,” Cooper told the BBC.

Thousands of foreign students will receive direct Home Office messages as a deterrent. The messages warn that asylum requests will be assessed strictly, and those without legal right to remain must leave voluntarily or face deportation.

UK government data for the year ending June 2025 showed 111,000 people claimed asylum, the highest since 1979. Indian students accounted for 98,014 visa grants, an 11% fall compared to the previous year.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK said the campaign protects the system while supporting genuine students. “Know your visa conditions, comply fully, and seek guidance if uncertain,” said NISAU UK chair Sanam Arora.

Indian nationals ranked sixth among the top 10 asylum claimants in 2024, making up just 1% of grants, compared to higher rates for Pakistanis, Afghans, and Iranians.

The asylum issue has gained attention recently due to legal disputes over housing asylum seekers and pressure on the Labour government to speed up deportations.