UK Government Bows to Pressure: Student Visa Reforms Put on Hold
Initially, Rishi Sunak had contemplated shortening or abolishing the period of time foreign students could remain in the country after completing their studies. However, the government has now confirmed that it will pursue more modest reforms. It stated that the visa, which permits graduates from overseas to stay in the UK for two years after their studies, will be kept "under review."
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom has yielded to pressure from senior cabinet members regarding proposed changes to the Student Visa scheme.
This decision comes in contrast to the stance of former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who referred to the graduate visa route as "a back door for foreign students to do low-wage work" earlier this week.
Initially, Rishi Sunak had contemplated shortening or abolishing the period of time foreign students could remain in the country after completing their studies. However, the government has now confirmed that it will pursue more modest reforms. It stated that the visa, which permits graduates from overseas to stay in the UK for two years after their studies, will be kept "under review."
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Instead of altering the visa duration, the Home Office announced plans to crack down on "rogue" recruitment agents and implement stricter compliance standards for higher education institutions. Additionally, stringent measures will be implemented for universities utilizing recruitment agents who encourage applications to British institutions, requiring international students to demonstrate their financial self-sufficiency.
Home Secretary James Cleverly remarked, "We have taken decisive and necessary action to deliver the largest cut in legal migration in our country's history." He noted a significant decline in applications, particularly on key routes, in the first four months of the year compared to the previous year. However, Cleverly emphasized the need for further action to prevent the abuse of immigration routes.
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Education Secretary Gillian Keegan affirmed the importance of striking a balance between controlling immigration and maintaining the UK as a global destination for students. She emphasized the government's commitment to supporting universities and attracting the best and brightest minds to study in the UK.
These reforms are part of the government's broader strategy to reduce legal migration.
