British Home Secretary James Cleverly has announced the implementation of new restrictions on visa routes, effectively putting an end to what he termed as the "unreasonable practice" of international students bringing their families to the UK.
The decision to impose these restrictions stemmed from a considerable surge in the number of family members accompanying foreign students, prompting the government's action to restrict this privilege for those not pursuing "high-value" degrees under official government plans.
Additionally, measures have been introduced to prevent potential abuse of the visa system, with foreign students now unable to switch from the student visa route to work routes until they have completed their studies.
Cleverly, in statements reported by the Evening Standard, asserted that the government is committed to fulfilling its promise to the British public by implementing a stringent strategy aimed at reducing migration by significant margins and thwarting attempts to manipulate the UK immigration system.
The Home Secretary emphasized the immediate impact of these changes, stating that they would result in a substantial decline in migration by tens of thousands and contribute to the broader objective of preventing 300,000 individuals from entering the UK.
Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed record net migration of 745,000 in the year leading up to December 2022. Notably, in the year ending September 2023, 152,980 visas were issued to dependents of students.
Highlighting the significance of international students, especially from India, statistics indicate a considerable influx of Indian students to UK universities. In 2020-21, Indian students, excluding dependents, accounted for 139,539 enrollments, making them the second-largest cohort after China.
However, concerns have been raised by education experts, who fear that discouraging international students from studying in the UK might redirect them to competing nations.
Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), expressed reservations about the changes, stressing the immense contributions made by international students to the UK. He highlighted their crucial role in sustaining the country's esteemed university sector, where their fees subsidize education and support research endeavors.
Moreover, estimations suggest that international students inject £35 billion annually into the UK economy. Their financial contributions, which encompass tuition fees ranging from £10,000 to £26,000, alongside NHS surcharges of £400 per year for students and £600 for dependents, significantly bolster the UK economy, as indicated by the UK-based New Way Consultancy.
(With Agency Inputs)
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