International
UK Suspends Study Visas for Four Countries Amid Surge in Asylum Claims
The British government has announced it will suspend the issuance of study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan while also halting work visas for Afghan citizens.
The move, confirmed by the Home Office on Tuesday, marks the first use of an “emergency brake” mechanism targeting specific countries in response to changing migration patterns.
Official data show that asylum applications submitted by students from these nations rose more than 470% between 2021 and 2025, prompting officials to adjust visa rules to safeguard the integrity of the system.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the UK remains committed to protecting those fleeing genuine persecution but described the measure as necessary to prevent the exploitation of educational pathways.
“Britain’s tradition of offering sanctuary to those escaping conflict remains unshaken, but we can not allow our visa framework to be exploited. This unprecedented step reflects our determination to preserve public confidence in the system,” she said.
The policy tightening comes amid heightened domestic debate over immigration, with the anti-immigration Reform UK party gaining momentum in recent opinion polls. The government has already streamlined asylum procedures and accelerated removals of unauthorized arrivals in response.
The new restrictions, set to take effect Thursday through amendments to immigration rules, coincide with a major policy address by Mahmood detailing stricter asylum protocols. Among proposed measures is a requirement for successful asylum seekers to undergo status reviews every 30 months, aimed at reducing the UK’s appeal as a destination for economic migration.
Home Office figures indicate that student-derived asylum claims fell by 20% in 2025 but still represent 13% of all pending applications, highlighting the government’s rationale for targeted intervention.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday jointly announced plans to introduce 2,000 free childcare slots for two-year-olds later this year, marking the first phase of the mayor’s broader pledge to deliver universal free childcare in the nation’s largest city.
The initiative, known as “2K,” will initially provide 2,000 spots before expanding to 12,000 places next year. Officials estimate there are roughly 100,000 two-year-olds across the city, meaning the rollout represents a gradual step toward the administration’s long-term goal.
State funding will cover the program’s costs; $73 million in the first year and $425 million in the second drawn from a broader $1.2 billion commitment by New York State to invest in free early childhood education.
Notably, the rollout will not require the tax increases previously proposed by Mayor Mamdani, a measure that had faced resistance from Governor Hochul. When asked about potential tax hikes, Hochul told reporters that the initiative could be funded through existing revenues.
“We can do it with existing revenues. Take what I’m saying as your answer,” the governor said.
Mayor Mamdani did not outline funding plans beyond next year during the joint appearance. However, he defended the investment in early childhood education, citing research suggesting that every dollar spent on early childcare can yield up to $13 in long-term economic returns.
Universal childcare was a cornerstone of Mamdani’s campaign platform, alongside proposals for a rent freeze and fare-free public buses. His first term began in January.
However, funding challenges have already slowed progress on other promises. Efforts to eliminate bus fares remain under discussion, with city officials still searching for replacement revenue to support the state-run Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates New York’s public transit network.
The childcare rollout now stands as the administration’s first major policy milestone and a test of how far the city can go in delivering on its ambitious social agenda without new taxes.
South African anti-apartheid activist and veteran politician Mosiuoa Lekota has died at the age of 77.
His political party confirmed that Lekota passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Further details surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.
Lekota was a prominent figure in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and played a significant role in shaping the country’s post-apartheid political landscape. A long-time member of the African National Congress (ANC), he later broke away from the ruling party following internal disputes and co-founded the Congress of the People (COPE) in 2008.
Throughout his decades-long political career, Lekota served in several key positions, including as South Africa’s Minister of Defence and as chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. He was widely regarded as a principled leader who remained vocal about governance, accountability, and constitutional democracy even after leaving the ANC.
Born in 1948, Lekota was imprisoned during the apartheid era for his activism and later became one of the influential voices in the country’s democratic transition.
Tributes are expected from across South Africa’s political spectrum as the nation reflects on the life and legacy of a man who dedicated much of his life to the fight for freedom and democratic reform.
Iran is set to hold a multi-day farewell ceremony for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, beginning Wednesday night in the capital, Tehran, according to state media.
Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of the Islamic Propagation Council, announced that the public memorial will last three days, while details of the funeral procession will be disclosed at a later time.
Citizens will be allowed to pay their respects at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall, also known as the Mosalla, starting from 10 p.m. (1830 GMT). Officials encouraged large public participation, describing the ceremony as an opportunity for Iranians to once again demonstrate unity and national presence.
Khamenei, who led Iran for decades and anchored his leadership on strong opposition to the United States and Israel, was reportedly killed on Saturday at the age of 86 in airstrikes carried out by Israeli and U.S. forces, according to Iranian state media.
His death marks a significant turning point in Iran’s political and religious leadership, with authorities yet to formally announce further details regarding succession and burial arrangements.