TBM Staff - Mumbai
According to a report in ‘The Observer’ newspaper on Sunday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is contemplating restrictions to the UK’s post-study visa program, which permits graduates to remain and work for up to two years after completing their degree course. This move aims to address the surge in legal migration figures, despite facing strong opposition from some members of his Cabinet.
The Graduate Route scheme, launched in 2021, has become a key factor for Indian students considering UK universities. However, Downing Street is reportedly considering “further restricting or even ending” this route, despite the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) finding no evidence of abuse and recommending its continuation.
Sunak is said to be facing resistance from Cabinet ministers, including Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who oppose scrapping the visa. Concerns have been raised by university and business leaders that curtailing the post-study offer could diminish the UK’s attractiveness to international students, including those from India.
John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), emphasised the importance of international students in boosting local economies and supporting undergraduate teaching and innovation. Universities UK (UUK) echoed these sentiments, urging the government to end the uncertainty surrounding the visa route.
Brian Bell, Chair Professor, MAC, highlighted that Indian students would be most affected by any restrictions on the Graduate Route, as they accounted for a significant portion of visas granted under the scheme. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK also expressed concerns about the chaotic uncertainty caused by the review.
With a general election anticipated in the coming months, the Sunak-led government is prioritising efforts to curb high migration figures. As quarterly immigration statistics are set to be released next week, further measures to clamp down on migration are expected.
