A leading organization representing Indian students in the UK has launched a fresh initiative called the "Fair Visa, Fair Chance" campaign in support of the post-study Graduate Route visa. This visa, introduced around three years ago, has gained significant popularity among Indian students. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, which originally advocated for this visa, is concerned that the ongoing review of the route could undo the progress made.
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), tasked with reviewing the Graduate Route visa by UK Home Secretary James Cleverly, aims to ensure its effectiveness and is expected to deliver its findings next month.
Lord Karan Bilimoria, Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Students and a patron of NISAU UK, emphasized the importance of the two-year post-graduation work opportunity for international students. He stressed that such opportunities are crucial in competing globally with countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Concerns about potential removal of this option are already impacting international student applications, he noted.
Highlighting the substantial contribution of international students to the UK economy—GBP 42 billion—Lord Bilimoria warned against curtailing the Graduate Route, stating it would be detrimental to Britain's interests.
Since its relaunch for the 2020-21 cohort, the Home Office reported granting 213,250 visas under the route, with Indians representing the largest group at 43% of grants last year.
Sanam Arora, Chair of NISAU UK, stressed the importance of the Graduate visa for Indian students and the UK's higher education system. Arora highlighted the seven-year campaign to reinstate the visa and pledged to defend it once again. She underscored the financial impact on universities and the broader research ecosystem if the Graduate Route were discontinued.
NISAU UK will present evidence to MAC, drawing from its own research and insights gathered from the annual India-UK Achievers Honours program.
Despite the UK Home Office's emphasis on attracting the "brightest and the best," recent data indicates a drop in applications from India. However, MAC analysis suggests an increase in international post-graduate students attending institutions with lower entry requirements, raising questions about the efficacy of visa policies in attracting top talent.
In its annual report preceding the review announcement, MAC urged clarity on the Graduate Route's purpose and expressed skepticism about its effectiveness in attracting high-skilled workers. They emphasized the need for a clear policy objective to align with the government's broader immigration goals.
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