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The vice-chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton has expressed concerns that the UK government’s plans to reduce Graduate Route visas could have a negative impact on the financial stability of British universities and hit Britain’s economy. 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 visa scheme is a favourite of students from India.

The review of the Graduate Route visa, aimed at assessing any misuse, caused consternation in the international student community and led to a drop in applications to UK universities.

Even the report of the government’s review of the Graduate Route visa has said any curbs on the scheme could have a “negative impact on the UK as a study destination”.

Professor Ebrahim Adia from the University of Wolverhampton expressed concerns that this “could have a damaging impact on jobs, student opportunities, and university finances, alongside wider impacts on local economies”, reported the BBC.

Vice-chancellor Adia said the University of Wolverhampton was “very proud” that it attracted students from 130 countries. “Their presence on our campuses has a very positive impact on the University, the city and the region,” Ebrahim Adia was quoted by the BBC as saying.

The vice-chancellor wanted all British political parties to reassure prospective students “that the UK remains open, and the graduate visa is here to stay”, according to the report.

Even a minister from the Rishi Sunak government said efforts should be made to strike a balance between immigration regulation and attracting the best students from across the world.

“It is right that we strike the balance between controlling immigration and making sure the UK remains the ‘go to’ place for students around the world,” Gillian Keegan, Education Secretary was quoted as saying by BBC.

The government introduced changes to graduate visas after a review, warning that “rogue recruitment agents threaten the integrity of our immigration system”. While acknowledging the value of international students, the government expressed concern that the visa route isn’t attracting the highest earners who contribute to the economy.

It has been reported that the UK government decided to abandon plans to reduce Graduate Route visas after significant opposition from PM Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet colleagues.

However, no official announcement has been made yet.

Sunak’s Cabinet colleagues, including Foreign Secretary David Cameron, opposed the UK government’s plans to reduce the Graduate Route visas. The cabinet members have also raised concerns about the financial stability of British universities and the UK’s economy if the Graduate Route visas for international students were curbed.

Earlier, Rishi Sunak was considering modifying the Graduate Route visa scheme to restrict visas to only the “best and the brightest”.

INDIAN STUDENTS’ SUPPORT FOR RETAINING GRADUATE ROUTE VISA

In the student visa category, Indian nationals represent the largest group of students granted leave to remain on this route, making up 43% of grants last year.

Indian students and alumni groups in the UK have voiced strong support for retaining the graduate visa, rejecting claims it is merely a way for overseas students to secure low-paid jobs.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU UK) has urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to protect the visa policy, noting the economic contributions of international students and the strong public support for the Graduate Route.

According to the report, the top five nationalities account for nearly 75% of all Graduate Route visas with India accounting for over 40% of them. Indian nationals made up a higher proportion of Graduate Route visas (42%) compared to their proportion of student visas (26%).

In 2023, 114,000 Graduate visas were granted for main applicants with a further 30,000 being granted for dependants. The take up of these visas is largely concentrated among 4 nationalities. The top 4 nationalities — India, Nigeria, China and Pakistan — accounted for 70% of all Graduate visas, with India accounting for over 40%.

UK GOVERNMENTS REVIEW AND POTENTIAL CHANGES

The government’s review of the Graduate Route visa has led to speculation about potential changes, including stricter financial checks for students, limitations on remote learning, and penalties for universities enroling students who fail visa checks. Changes to English language requirements are also being considered.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report found that Graduate Route visa holders often start with lower-paid jobs but see their wages improve over time when they switch to Skilled Worker visas.

The university sector is concerned that the government’s migration policies could weaken the UK university sector and undermine a key reason for companies to invest in the country.

The MAC report highlighted the importance of the Graduate Route visa in maintaining the UK’s competitive edge as a study destination. Any deterioration of the graduate route could significantly diminish the UK’s appeal to international students.