UK PM Rishi Sunak Decides Against Limiting Graduate Visas, Protecting University Appeal

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has decided not to limit graduate visas that allow international students to work in Britain for up to two years after their degree course. This decision comes after strong opposition from key cabinet members who argued that strict limits on graduate visas would hurt UK universities and the economy as a whole. One proposed idea is to put tougher rules on agents advertising UK degree courses abroad, who may face penalties if they fail to deliver the quality of students they promise. Students from other countries who want to stay in the UK with a graduate visa might have to take English tests. Universities or colleges could lose their permission to recruit students from other countries if too many students drop out. An official announcement about these proposed changes is expected to come out at the same time as the Office for National Statistics releases its quarterly net migration figures.

India sends a large number of students to study in the UK, making up over 40% of all graduate visas. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) has emphasized the importance of the graduate visa programme in keeping the UK attractive to international students.