In a move set to reshape the landscape for international students, the United Kingdom has introduced stricter visa regulations, effective this month. These changes, spearheaded by former home secretary Suella Braverman, predominantly impact postgraduate research courses and government-funded scholarship recipients. The alterations aim to address the growing concern of student visas being misused as a pathway to employment, with the UK Home Office projecting a substantial decrease in arrivals, affecting around 140,000 individuals.
The focal point of the revamped regulations is a limitation on the inclusion of family members for international students enrolling in British universities. This adjustment, highlighted by the UK Home Office, particularly targets postgraduate research programs and students with government-funded scholarships. The rationale behind these measures is to curb the rising trend of overseas students bringing dependants, a practice deemed “unreasonable” by Home Secretary James Cleverly as reported by The Economic Times.
Official statistics reveal a staggering 930% increase in dependant visas since 2019, prompting the government to take decisive action. Cleverly emphasized, “This government is delivering on its commitment to the British public to cut migration,” underlining the strategic role these changes play in preventing an estimated 300,000 people from entering the UK.
By September 2023, the Office for National Statistics reported a substantial surge in visas issued to dependants of students, reaching 152,980 from a mere 14,839 in September 2019. UK Minister for Legal Migration and the Border Tom Pursglove justified the move, stating, “We are completely committed to seeing a decisive cut in migration.” He clarified that restricting dependants on student visas allows the UK to protect public services while supporting the economy.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government aims to strike a balance by preserving the appeal of the UK’s higher education sector while preventing institutions from exploiting immigration rather than focusing on education. Collaborative efforts with universities are expected to develop alternative approaches for outstanding students to bring dependants.
As part of a broader strategy to reduce migration, the UK government is implementing additional measures, including tightening health and care visas, increasing salary thresholds, and commissioning a review of the post-study work visa. Indian nationals, constituting 43% of students granted leave to remain, are a significant group in the student visa category.
Diaspora student groups have expressed concerns about the proposed review of the post-study work visa, a vital factor for Indian students choosing UK universities. Despite these concerns, the Home Office assures that the phased introduction of these measures throughout early 2024 provides affected individuals with ample time to prepare for the upcoming changes, making this the largest reduction in migration ever implemented.
The UK’s tougher visa rules for international students mark a significant shift in immigration policies, with the government aiming to strike a balance between preserving the appeal of higher education and addressing concerns of visa misuse. As these measures take effect, collaboration with universities and phased introductions aim to minimize disruptions while achieving the government’s goal of a substantial reduction in migration.
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