Tourism
UK Suspends Student and Work Visas for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan Over Asylum Abuse Claims
London – March 4, 2026 – The British government has imposed an immediate and indefinite suspension on student visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, and on work visas specifically for Afghan nationals, in what Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described as an “unprecedented” measure to prevent abuse of the UK’s asylum system.
Announcing the decision on March 3, Mahmood accused individuals from these countries of exploiting legal migration routes—particularly study visas—as a “backdoor” to claim asylum after arrival. Home Office figures show that 39% of the 100,000 asylum claims made in 2025 were lodged by people who had entered legally, with nationals from the four suspended countries accounting for a significant portion of the spike between 2021 and September 2025.
“Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused,” Mahmood stated. “That is why I am taking the unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity. I will restore order and control to our borders.”
The visa ban will take formal effect through an immigration rules change on Thursday, March 5. The Home Office said the suspension is necessary to protect the integrity of the points-based system and reduce pressure on asylum processing.
Broader context shows asylum grant rates falling overall—from 47% in 2024 to 42% in 2025—with sharp drops for certain nationalities: Syrians (98% to 9%), Afghans (51% to 34%), and Pakistanis (53% to 35%). The number of people arriving on work visas also declined by 19% in 2025, largely due to stricter health and care visa rules introduced last year.
The move follows similar pressure tactics in November 2025, when the UK threatened to halt all visas for Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo unless they accepted returns of failed asylum seekers and illegal migrants. Cooperation agreements were subsequently reached with all three countries, leading to deportation flights.
The government has also signalled plans to review refugee status every 30 months and require returns for those whose countries are deemed safe, further tightening the asylum framework.
The suspension has drawn immediate criticism from human rights groups and education providers, who warn it could disproportionately harm genuine students fleeing conflict and persecution, while supporters argue it is a necessary step to deter system abuse and restore public confidence in immigration controls.
Taste GH
Soft, Satisfying, and Deeply Rooted: Discover the Comfort of Tuo Zaafi
Some dishes do more than satisfy hunger—they tell the story of a people.
In northern Ghana, Tuo Zaafi, affectionately known as TZ, is one such meal, bringing together tradition, nourishment, and a sense of home in every serving.
Prepared from millet or maize flour, Tuo Zaafi has a remarkably smooth, velvety texture that sets it apart from many staple foods across West Africa.
It is carefully stirred over heat until it reaches a soft consistency, making it ideal for soaking up the rich flavours of the soups it accompanies.
The true magic of TZ lies in what surrounds it. It is most commonly paired with a vibrant green soup made from fresh leafy vegetables such as ayoyo or alefu, often enriched with local spices, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes tender cuts of beef, goat, fish, or guinea fowl.
The result is a meal that is earthy, savoury, and deeply comforting. Each spoonful balances the mild taste of the TZ with the fragrant, slightly slippery texture of the greens, creating a combination that generations of Ghanaians have cherished.
Beyond its flavour, Tuo Zaafi reflects the agricultural heritage of northern Ghana, where millet and maize have sustained communities for centuries. The dish frequently appears at family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals, symbolising hospitality and togetherness. Visitors to the region quickly discover that sharing a bowl of TZ is often an invitation into local culture as much as it is an invitation to dine.
Its nutritional appeal adds to its enduring popularity. Millet is naturally rich in fibre and essential minerals, while the leafy soup provides vitamins and antioxidants, making the meal both hearty and wholesome.
For travellers eager to understand Ghana through its cuisine, Tuo Zaafi offers an authentic taste of the north—simple in appearance, generous in flavour, and deeply woven into the country’s culinary identity.
Sights and Sounds
From Wli to Tagbo: Discover the Waterfall Trails That Define Ghana’s Volta Region
In Ghana’s Volta Region, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Here, waterfall hopping isn’t simply a day trip—it’s an invitation to experience some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, where forest trails, mountain scenery, and cascading water come together unforgettably.
Among the region’s many natural treasures, Wli Waterfalls stands apart. Tumbling nearly 1,600 feet from the cliffs of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, it is the tallest waterfall in West Africa and one of Ghana’s most celebrated attractions.
Reaching the lower falls requires a scenic 40-minute walk through lush vegetation, with butterflies fluttering overhead and birds providing a constant soundtrack.
For more adventurous hikers, the steep two-to-three-hour climb to the upper falls offers dramatic views and a quieter encounter with nature.
But Wli is only one chapter in the Volta Region’s waterfall story. The equally captivating Tsatsadu Falls, tucked within the mountain communities near Liati Wote, rewards visitors with peaceful surroundings and refreshing pools after a moderate trek.
Nearby, Tagbo Falls offers another distinctive experience, where a gentle forest walk leads to a striking cascade framed by dense greenery.
Together, these waterfalls reveal why the Volta Region has become one of Ghana’s leading eco-tourism destinations. Each trail introduces visitors to thriving forests, welcoming rural communities, and landscapes that remain remarkably unspoiled.
For international travellers, waterfall hopping provides a chance to discover a side of Ghana often overshadowed by its bustling cities and historic coastline.
For Ghanaians, it is a reminder that some of the country’s greatest treasures lie hidden among the eastern highlands, waiting to be explored one trail—and one waterfall—at a time.
Taste GH
Rich, Creamy and Unforgettable: The Story Behind Ghana’s Beloved Groundnut Soup
Few dishes capture the warmth of Ghanaian hospitality quite like a steaming bowl of groundnut soup. Rich, velvety, and bursting with the natural flavour of roasted peanuts, it is the kind of meal that brings families together and turns an ordinary lunch into an occasion worth remembering.
Prepared from blended groundnuts—known as peanuts in many parts of the world—the soup develops a creamy texture that balances savoury spices with a subtle nutty sweetness. Tomatoes, onions, ginger and garlic create an aromatic base, while local spices deepen its flavour.
Depending on regional traditions and family recipes, the soup may feature chicken, goat, beef, smoked fish or fresh fish, each adding its own character to the pot.
Groundnut soup is perhaps best known as the perfect companion to fufu, whose smooth, elastic texture effortlessly soaks up every spoonful of the rich broth.
@cheflifestyle_ How do make your groundnut soup? Let’s make my mom’s special groundnut soup whiles I tell you a story I believe if we all wanted to stick to only what we know there wouldn’t be the need to follow food bloggers. I’ve seen so many variations of groundnut soup recipes online and they all look very good! Also can you guys spot my commercial blender from @All Needs It blends everything so well! Let me know if anyone does their groundnut soup like this? I’d not how different is yours? We are all here to learn from each other. Also do you add momone to your groundnut soup? . . . . #groundnutsoup #peanutbuttersoup #ghfoods ♬ Ogechi (feat. Davido) [Remix] – BoyPee & Hyce & Brown Joel
Others enjoy it with rice balls, creating a combination that is equally filling and deeply satisfying. Across Ghana, these pairings are cherished comfort foods, appearing at family gatherings, festive celebrations and Sunday lunches.
Its popularity extends beyond taste alone. Groundnuts are naturally rich in plant-based protein, healthy fats, vitamin E and magnesium, making the soup a nourishing meal that delivers both flavour and nutritional value.
Combined with fresh ingredients and lean protein, it offers a wholesome balance that has earned its place in kitchens across generations.
For visitors discovering Ghanaian cuisine for the first time, groundnut soup is more than a traditional dish—it is an introduction to the country’s culinary heritage.
Every fragrant bowl tells a story of family, culture, and the simple joy of sharing a meal, making it one of Ghana’s most treasured recipes and a favourite that continues to win hearts far beyond its borders.
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