COLOMBO, June 5 -- The British government has announced tougher measures against universities that fail to prevent the misuse of student visas, warning that institutions could lose their ability to recruit international students if they do not meet stricter compliance standards.

Under new sponsorship rules issued by the UK government, universities will be required to satisfy enhanced performance benchmarks relating to visa compliance, student enrolment practices and course completion rates.

The measures form part of a broader effort by the UK Home Office to tighten oversight of the international student visa system amid concerns that some individuals are using study visas as a route to claim asylum or enter the labour market unlawfully....