UK kicks off tougher visa rules for international students

Official figures reveal a staggering 930 percent increase in dependant visas since 2019

By Agencies
January 03, 2024
A Union Jack flag flies near the Elizabeth Tower, commonly referred to as Big Ben, at the Houses of Parliament in central London, UK. — AFP/File
A Union Jack flag flies near the Elizabeth Tower, commonly referred to as Big Ben, at the Houses of Parliament in central London, UK. — AFP/File

UNITED KINGDOM: Effective this month, international students, enrolling in British universities will face stringent visa norms limiting the inclusion of family members. The changes, initiated by former home secretary Suella Braverman and effective from Monday, primarily impact postgraduate research courses and those with government-funded scholarships. The UK Home Office emphasizes that these adjustments, aiming to curb the misuse of student visas as a gateway to employment, are projected to result in approximately 140,000 fewer individuals arriving in the UK.

Official figures reveal a staggering 930 percent increase in dependant visas since 2019. Cleverly stated, “This government is delivering on its commitment to the British public to cut migration,” further emphasizing the strategy’s role in preventing an estimated 300,000 people from entering the UK.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that, by September 2023, 152,980 visas were issued to dependants of students, a substantial surge from 14,839 in September 2019.