Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering significant restrictions on the UK's Graduate Route visa, a scheme allowing international graduates to stay and work in the country for up to two years after completing their degree.
This move, aimed at curbing soaring legal migration figures, has sparked strong opposition from several high-profile ministers, according to a report by PTI on Sunday, May 19.
The Observer newspaper reports that Sunak's plan to scrap the Graduate Route visa is causing a Cabinet revolt. The Graduate Route has been particularly popular among Indian students, who have received the majority of these visas since the scheme's launch in 2021. Indian students have consistently topped the tally of post-study visas, making the scheme a significant factor in their decision to choose UK universities.
Downing Street is reportedly considering either further restricting or completely ending the Graduate Route. This comes despite the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) concluding that the route is not being abused and recommending its continuation due to its financial benefits for UK universities.
Sunak faces a difficult balancing act between right-wing factions within his party, who are pushing for stricter immigration controls, and moderate Conservatives who fear that such measures could damage the party's reputation and electoral prospects. Sources close to ministers opposing the visa changes suggest that Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron are leading the internal revolt against the proposal.
University and business leaders have also voiced concerns, warning that any reduction in post-study work opportunities would make the UK less attractive to international students, including those from India. John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), emphasized the economic benefits of attracting international students and the risks posed to undergraduate teaching and innovation if competitiveness is lost.
Universities UK (UUK), the representative body for UK universities, has called on the government to end the uncertainty surrounding the Graduate Route visa. UUK Chief Executive Vivienne Stern urged the government to heed the advice provided and confirm that the visa route will remain intact.
MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell, who led the recent review of the scheme, highlighted that Indian students would be the most affected by any restrictions. Between 2021 and 2023, Indians accounted for 42% of the overall Graduate Route visas granted. The MAC found that the visa was a crucial factor in their choice of study destination.
Vignesh Karthik from the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK described the uncertainty caused by the review as chaotic and urged the government to accept the MAC's findings and ensure the Graduate Route remains stable and permanent.
As the UK gears up for a general election, expected in the coming months, the Sunak-led government is prioritizing efforts to curb both legal and illegal migration. With new immigration statistics set to be released soon, further measures are anticipated.