Amidst efforts to tighten immigration regulations, students heading to Britain from abroad, including India, will face restrictions on bringing relatives with them. Effective from January 1, the new rules aim to curb the increasing number of accompanying relatives of foreign students. However, exemptions are granted for postgraduate research courses and government-funded programs.
Impact on Indian Students
Indian students, ranking second only to China in British universities, will be affected by the latest immigration rules. Home Minister James Cleverley highlighted the need for these restrictions, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing migration numbers and preventing abuse of the immigration system.
Exemptions for Specific Courses
While the general rule limits the ability to bring relatives, exceptions are made for students enrolled in postgraduate research courses and government-funded programs. These exemptions aim to strike a balance between controlling migration and supporting certain educational pursuits.
Statistical Overview
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics reveal that by December 2022, 7.45 lakh migrants entered Britain, with 1.52 lakh visas issued to dependents of students by September 2023. In 2022, 1.39 lakh Indian students, excluding dependents, chose Britain as their destination for higher education, according to Ministry of External Affairs data.
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