Reaction to Rishi Sunak's Plans to Reduce Foreign Student Visas for the UK

Post by : Kanchan Chandel

Photo-Reuters

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is contemplating measures to restrict the UK's post-study visa, which permits graduates to remain and work for up to two years after completing their degree programs. This proposal has sparked backlash, particularly from some of his Cabinet members, according to a report published on Sunday by 'The Observer' newspaper. The potential scrapping of the Graduate Route scheme, a pivotal factor in attracting Indian students to UK universities since its inception in 2021, has triggered dissent within the government.

Despite the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) asserting that the scheme is not being misused and recommending its continuation to support UK universities financially, Downing Street is reportedly mulling over further limitations or even termination of the route. This has created a dilemma for Sunak, caught between right-wing factions eyeing Tory leadership and Conservative moderates concerned about the party's reputation and electoral prospects.

Several Cabinet members, including Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, are leading a revolt against the proposed move. University and business leaders have cautioned that any reduction in the post-study offer could diminish the UK's appeal to international students, including those from India, jeopardizing local economies and academic innovation.

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John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), emphasized the significance of attracting international students and urged the government to heed the MAC's findings and dispel the uncertainty surrounding the Graduate Visa's future. Similarly, Universities UK (UUK) has called for definitive reassurance from the government to alleviate the "toxic" uncertainty stemming from the review of the visa route.

MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell highlighted the disproportionate impact of restricting the Graduate Route on Indian students, who constitute a significant portion of visa recipients and whose choice of higher education destination is heavily influenced by this visa option. Vignesh Karthik from the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK urged the government to accept the MAC's recommendations and ensure the stability and permanence of the Graduate Route.

In the lead-up to an anticipated general election, Sunak's government has prioritized curbing both legal and illegal migration, with quarterly immigration statistics due for release soon, hinting at further crackdowns in the future. However, the contentious proposal to curtail the Graduate Route has sparked widespread concern among stakeholders, prompting calls for a reconsideration of the government's stance to safeguard the UK's attractiveness to international students and preserve its academic and economic interests.

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