Rishi Sunak: It is expected that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would back down from his intention to implement a broad crackdown on graduate visas, which allow international students to work in the country for up to two years after graduating. Important cabinet officials fiercely opposed this decision, citing possible harm to universities and the economy as their main worries.
Severe Measures to Limit Graduate Visas
At first, Sunak intended to take severe steps to limit or do away with the graduate visa program in an effort to reduce the number of migrants. Reports suggest that the prime minister is now going in the direction of more moderate changes that focus on sealing off loopholes and limiting exploitation of the immigration system.
Regulation of Recruitment Agencies
Stricter regulations on recruitment agencies promoting British degree programs overseas are among the suggested reforms. According to the Financial Times, agencies who don’t provide the kind of pupils they guarantee risk penalties. Furthermore, the Sun reports that foreign students wishing to remain in the UK on a graduate visa may have to take mandatory English language courses, and universities and colleges that have high dropout rates may lose their ability to hire foreign students.
Influence of Key Cabinet Officials
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Home Secretary James Cleverly, and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan’s actions are credited with changing Sunak’s position. These authorities advocated against the most extreme restrictions, highlighting the detrimental effects on the economy and universities.
Anticipated Reforms Announcement
It is anticipated that the proposed reforms will be announced concurrently with the quarterly net migration statistics from the Office for National Statistics. Indian graduates and students in the UK, meanwhile, have been outspoken in their support of graduate visas, refuting the idea that they are “Deliveroo visas” for low-paying gig economy work.
In a letter to the prime minister, the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) emphasized how important the graduate visa path is to preserving the UK’s attractiveness as a destination for overseas students.
Significant Presence of Indian Students
More over 40% of all graduate visas are held by Indian students, who make up a sizable fraction of all international students studying in the UK. The chair of NISAU vehemently disagreed with the idea that young people’s efforts should be reduced to “Deliveroo visas,” emphasizing the goals and financial contributions that these students make to the UK educational system.
