The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has concluded its rapid review of the UK graduate route, finding no evidence of widespread abuse.
The Graduate Route visa, introduced in July 2021, allows international students to remain in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their studies.
The report represents a pivotal moment for the sector as it recommends that the government retains the two-year visa unchanged. It emphasises that the graduate route does not compromise the integrity and quality of the UK higher education system. Instead, it suggests that the route facilitates universities in diversifying their course offerings and compensating for financial deficits incurred from domestic students and research.
The eagerly awaited 70-page report outlines the committee's findings, chaired by Brian Bell, a professor at King’s College London. The committee was tasked with investigation by Home Secretary James Cleverly.
MAC's report on the graduate route is the first comprehensive examination of the visa system, benefiting from new data provided by the Home Office. Key findings highlight the concentration of usage among four nationalities: India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan, which collectively represent 70% of all graduate visas, with Indian nationals alone constituting over 40%. The majority of visa holders completed postgraduate taught courses, a trend that has grown since the route's inception. Additionally, the age profile of applicants has shifted, with a notable increase in the proportion of main applicants aged over 25, reaching 54% in 2023.
The MAC review, initially focused on the graduate route and any potential abuse, also addresses broader issues in international recruitment. Policy changes, like the ban on dependants, may decrease future use of the graduate route. Some university recruitment agents may provide misleading information to international students, impacting recruitment. Further restrictions could jeopardise the government's goal of hosting 600,000 international students and exacerbate financial strain on universities, potentially leading to job losses, course closures, and reduced research. Such restrictions also diminish the UK's attractiveness compared to other countries like Australia, Canada, and Germany.
Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are hosting a Zoom event on May 16 to delve into recent immigration policy changes and the associated issues. Mr Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Advice Centre, will be the distinguished guest speaker at the event.
NISAU positively response to the MAC report on the Graduate Route
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK welcomes the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recent 'Rapid Review of the Graduate Route'. NISAU actively contributed evidence to the MAC, advocating for the preservation of the Graduate route visa without changes.
Sanam Arora, Chair of NISAU, expressed satisfaction with the MAC's decision to retain the Graduate route, addressing concerns about education mis-selling by agents. She emphasised the importance of distinguishing between 'work' and 'work experience' and highlighted the significance of work opportunities for Indian students. 70% of Indian students have told us that the number one point that makes them ultimately choose between Australia or Canada or UK or in America is the ability to gain that work experience for a couple of years. Arora stressed the need for stability, urging the UK Government to promptly confirm the permanence of the Graduate route.
Vignesh Karthik, Head of Thought Leadership at NISAU, underscores the importance of the Graduate route for international students, providing them opportunities in the UK job market. He urges the government to heed the MAC's findings and ensure the stability of the Graduate route. Additionally, Karthik emphasises the need for employers to utilise the route effectively to address critical skills shortages.
Furthermore, Karthik highlights the significant economic and cultural contributions of international graduates on the Graduate route. He notes the impact of policy changes on university recruitment and stresses the importance of universities in providing career support. Karthik underscores the Graduate route's role in post-study opportunities and the UK's competitiveness, citing its substantial economic benefits.
Other organisations welcomes MAC's recommendation to retain the Graduate Route visa
NUS UK VP Higher Education, Chloe Field, praises MAC's recommendation to maintain the Graduate Route visa, advocating for easy access to quality education in the UK. She highlights the positive impact of cultural diversity on students' learning experiences and emphasises the importance of borderless education. Field urges the government to heed MAC's advice and preserve the Graduate Route visa.
Rosalind Gill, Head of Policy and Engagement at the National Centre for Universities and Business, underscores the positive impact of international students on the UK. She emphasises the disruption caused by the government's review request, urging swift confirmation of no route changes to mitigate further effects. Gill highlights the enriching contributions of international students to academic environments, emphasising their role in fostering diversity and cultural exchange. She concludes by emphasising the benefits that universities and businesses derive from international students.
John Foster, CBI Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer, highlights the significance of international students as a major export success for the UK. He emphasises the positive impact of attracting international students on local economies and underscores the importance of maintaining competitiveness to support undergraduate teaching and innovation. Foster urges swift action to confirm the future of the graduate visa, emphasising the need to end damaging speculation.
