Education holds immense significance in an individual’s life, playing a pivotal role in shaping their future. In recent times, a considerable number of students in various parts of the country have shown a growing interest in pursuing higher education abroad, encompassing both graduate and post-graduate courses. If you happen to be a student aspiring to study outside India, particularly in the United Kingdom, it is essential to be informed about recent developments in visa restrictions and immigration policies. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom has made significant announcements in this regard, emphasizing the government’s commitment to implementing stringent measures.
Describing these measures as “radical action,” Prime Minister Sunak outlined steps aimed at addressing the rising immigration rates in the country. According to him, these measures are designed to ensure that immigration contributes positively to the United Kingdom. In a statement, Sunak asserted, “Immigration is too high. Today we’re taking radical action to bring it down. These steps will make sure that immigration always benefits the UK.”
As part of the newly introduced measures, the UK government plans to restrict international students from bringing their families to the country, with exceptions granted for those pursuing postgraduate research degrees. Additionally, there will be an increase in the minimum salary requirements for skilled foreign workers seeking visas to work in the UK. Prime Minister Sunak detailed these changes, stating, “Immigration action, banning overseas students from bringing their families to the UK unless they are on postgraduate research degrees, stopping immigration undercutting British workers, scrapping the 20% going rate salary discounts offered for shortage occupations.”
The immigration rate in the UK has been a pressing issue, with record levels of net migration reported last year. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicated a net migration of 606,000 people in 2022, with 1.2 million arrivals and approximately half that number departing. Despite promises from successive Conservative governments to significantly reduce immigration, especially in the aftermath of Brexit, the numbers remained substantial. The majority of arrivals were non-EU nationals, and the statistics included asylum seekers for the first time.
Last year, Indian nationals received the highest number of study, work, and visitor visas, according to UK Immigration Statistics. These developments underscore the evolving landscape of immigration policies and the importance of staying informed for students planning to pursue education in the United Kingdom.