Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering restrictions to the UK's post-study visa, known as the Graduate Route scheme, which allows graduates to remain and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree. Despite opposition from some of his ministers, Sunak is facing pressure to curb soaring legal migration figures, leading to a potential Cabinet revolt over plans to scrap the visa scheme.
The Graduate Route scheme has been particularly attractive to Indian students, who have been the largest beneficiaries of these post-study visas since its inception in 2021. However, Downing Street is contemplating further restrictions or even ending the route, despite findings from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) that it has not been abused and benefits UK universities financially.
The potential decision to curtail the post-study visa scheme has sparked concerns among university and business leaders, who warn that it could make the UK less appealing to overseas students, including those from India. These leaders emphasize the significant economic contributions of international students to local economies and the importance of maintaining competitiveness in attracting talent.
Pressure to maintain the Graduate Route scheme is also coming from various quarters, including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Universities UK (UUK), and the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK. They urge the government to provide reassurance and stability by confirming the continuation of the visa route, especially given its positive impact on Indian students.
The potential move to restrict the Graduate Route scheme comes amid the Sunak-led government's efforts to address high levels of legal and illegal migration, particularly in an election year. With quarterly immigration statistics due soon, further clampdowns on migration are anticipated, raising concerns about the future of policies affecting international students and skilled workers in the UK.
