The UK government is looking for a way to prevent the families of foreign masters students from joining them in the country, reported the Financial Times.
According to official figures, the number of visas granted to dependents of foreign students jumped from 16,047 in 2019 to a whopping 1,35,788 in 2022. Indian and Nigerian students have the maximum chances of having family members tag along. Despite the conservative party’s promise of bringing down migration levels, the numbers show a record level in 2022. Net migration to the United Kingdom hit record levels between June and July 2022. An estimated 5,04,000 more people arrived in the country for a longer term compared to those leaving the country, according to an observation by the Office of National Statistics.
The country issued 5,00,000 visas in 2022, 81 per cent higher than 2019.
The UKIBC supports the movement of students between the UK and India, and we are working with our members and both governments to support that. In response to the speculation. In an official statement, the UKIBC said, “It has been reported that the UK Government is considering restrictions on family members from joining 1-year masters students entering the UK, as a means of controlling net migration. The UK India Business Council is clear that we fully support and value international students’ contribution to the UK, not least those coming from India.
“Talent and human capital are essential to any economy and the movement of people between our countries is of benefit to both nations, enabling us to share skills, knowledge, and innovation. Moreover, the living bridge of people is exactly what makes this bilateral relationship so special. These students contribute positively to the academic and research strength of the UK’s HE sector and to life on campus. They also benefit the UK more widely, bringing specialist skills to the workforce; setting up new trade links, building soft power for years to come, and spending in local economies up and down the country.
“UK universities are committed to working with Government to understand the issues surrounding the arrangement for dependents accompanying international students and to find constructive solutions. At the same time, it is important that international students have clarity on the rules and that the UK government restates its commitment to the immensely positive graduate visa route, which has proven beneficial to the UK economy, popular with Indians, and which has created positivity in the critically important India-UK relationship.
The UKIBC will continue to work with our members in both countries and with both Governments in support of the movement of students between our countries.”
