Rishi Sunak Abandons Plan to Restrict Graduate Visas
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to abandon plans to significantly restrict graduate visas for international students following strong opposition from key cabinet members. Alternatives include stricter regulations on recruitment agents and mandatory English tests for visa applicants. Indian students and universities voiced concerns that limiting the visa option would harm the UK's appeal and economy.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided to abandon plans to significantly restrict graduate visas for international students, following strong opposition from key cabinet members including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Home Secretary James Cleverly, and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.
The proposed reforms aimed to reduce migration numbers by potentially scrapping or tightening the graduate visa system, which currently allows overseas students to work in the UK for up to two years post-graduation.
Alternatives under consideration include stricter regulations on recruitment agents and mandatory English tests for visa applicants.
Indian students, who make up a significant proportion of graduate visa holders, and universities across the UK voiced concerns that limiting this visa option would harm the country's appeal to international students and negatively impact its economy.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) emphasized the critical nature of the graduate visa for international students seeking education and work opportunities in the UK.
An announcement on the revised plans is expected to coincide with the Office for National Statistics' quarterly net migration figures release.
The proposed reforms aimed to reduce migration numbers by potentially scrapping or tightening the graduate visa system, which currently allows overseas students to work in the UK for up to two years post-graduation.
Alternatives under consideration include stricter regulations on recruitment agents and mandatory English tests for visa applicants.
Indian students, who make up a significant proportion of graduate visa holders, and universities across the UK voiced concerns that limiting this visa option would harm the country's appeal to international students and negatively impact its economy.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) emphasized the critical nature of the graduate visa for international students seeking education and work opportunities in the UK.
An announcement on the revised plans is expected to coincide with the Office for National Statistics' quarterly net migration figures release.
