The United Kingdom’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advised maintaining the Graduate Route visa policy, noting that there is no evidence of “widespread abuse”.
This policy allows international students to remain in the UK and work after finishing their studies. In 2023, more than 50,000 Indian students took advantage of this policy, accounting for 44% of all student visa extensions, the highest proportion among all nationalities.
In March, Home Secretary James Cleverly called for a quick review of the graduate route visa policy. The MAC submitted its report on May 14, 2024.
Brian Bell, chair of the MAC, stated that they have not found evidence of widespread abuse on the Graduate Route, where they define as deliberate non-compliance with immigration rules. They conclude that this route does not undermine the integrity and quality of the UK’s higher education system.
Bell also mentioned that the financial impact of Graduate Route visa holders on public finances is expected to be small but positive.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU UK), representing Indian students and alumni in the UK, has called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to safeguard the Graduate Route visa policy.
In a letter to PM Sunak, NISAU UK Chair Sanam Arora highlighted the economic benefits of international students, the role of international graduates in addressing skill shortages, and the enhancement of educational experiences for domestic students.
Arora emphasized the misconception of reducing international graduates to ‘Deliveroo visas,’ emphasizing that these students are deeply committed to their UK education and bring overall positive contributions to the UK.
She contended that imposing further restrictions or shutting down the route at this point could lead to excessive correction.
The MAC has proposed a “mandatory registration system” for international recruitment agents and subagents, commonly referred to as overseas education consultants in India.
They advise universities to disclose annual data on their expenditures on recruitment agents and the count of international students recruited through these channels to enhance transparency.
While the majority of agents endorse promoting the UK and aiding international students, there have been cases of unethical practices among a few agents. This recommendation seeks to uphold the standards of UK higher education.
Furthermore, the MAC has recommended that the UK government to require universities to verify the course outcome, such as the degree classification, the current requirement to confirm course completion.
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This policy allows international students to remain in the UK and work after finishing their studies. In 2023, more than 50,000 Indian students took advantage of this policy, accounting for 44% of all student visa extensions, the highest proportion among all nationalities.
In March, Home Secretary James Cleverly called for a quick review of the graduate route visa policy. The MAC submitted its report on May 14, 2024.
Brian Bell, chair of the MAC, stated that they have not found evidence of widespread abuse on the Graduate Route, where they define as deliberate non-compliance with immigration rules. They conclude that this route does not undermine the integrity and quality of the UK’s higher education system.
Bell also mentioned that the financial impact of Graduate Route visa holders on public finances is expected to be small but positive.
The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU UK), representing Indian students and alumni in the UK, has called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to safeguard the Graduate Route visa policy.
In a letter to PM Sunak, NISAU UK Chair Sanam Arora highlighted the economic benefits of international students, the role of international graduates in addressing skill shortages, and the enhancement of educational experiences for domestic students.
Arora emphasized the misconception of reducing international graduates to ‘Deliveroo visas,’ emphasizing that these students are deeply committed to their UK education and bring overall positive contributions to the UK.
She contended that imposing further restrictions or shutting down the route at this point could lead to excessive correction.
The MAC has proposed a “mandatory registration system” for international recruitment agents and subagents, commonly referred to as overseas education consultants in India.
They advise universities to disclose annual data on their expenditures on recruitment agents and the count of international students recruited through these channels to enhance transparency.
While the majority of agents endorse promoting the UK and aiding international students, there have been cases of unethical practices among a few agents. This recommendation seeks to uphold the standards of UK higher education.
Furthermore, the MAC has recommended that the UK government to require universities to verify the course outcome, such as the degree classification, the current requirement to confirm course completion.
The post appeared first on .