"Outrage Explodes: UK PM Sunak Under Fire for Policy Change!"

UK Considers Changes to Post-Study Visa

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is contemplating adjustments to the UK's post-study visa, which permits graduates to stay and work for up to two years after completing their degree. This move aims to reduce high legal migration figures. However, some ministers strongly oppose this idea. According to The Observer, Sunak faces resistance within the Cabinet regarding plans to eliminate the Graduate Route scheme. Indian students, who have predominantly utilized this visa since its launch in 2021, are particularly concerned. Downing Street is contemplating further restrictions or even discontinuation of the route, despite the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) concluding that it's not being misused and benefits UK universities financially. Sunak finds himself torn between right-wing demands and concerns from Conservative moderates about the party's reputation and electoral prospects.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron are leading the opposition within the Cabinet. University and business leaders caution that curtailing the post-study offer would diminish the UK's attractiveness to international students, including those from India. John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), highlights the economic importance of international students to local economies and innovation. Universities UK (UUK) calls for an end to the uncertainty caused by the government's review of the visa route.

MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell emphasizes the significant impact any restriction would have on Indian students, who comprise a substantial portion of visa recipients. Vignesh Karthik from the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK urges the government to accept the MAC's findings and ensure stability for the Graduate Route in the UK's immigration system.