If Indian students in the UK are unable to secure a job within six months of graduating, they may have to end their stay. The UK intends to shorten the post-study visa period for foreign students.
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman has proposed new rules for the UK Graduate Visa, according to a report by The Times. This comes at a time when the nation has experienced high rates of immigration. As per figures issued by the UK Home Office last year, there are now more Indian students in the country than Chinese students.
However, according to this article, the UK Department of Education has “strongly opposed” this suggestion.
International students, including Indian students, are currently permitted to remain in the UK for two further years when they are looking for a job there.
However, this post-study stay would only last for six months under the UK Home Secretary’s proposal. Students would then have to find a job in the UK and apply for a work visa to stay in the country or leave.
According to The Times, leaked information suggests that the Department of Education wants to stop this proposal because it would affect the number of students who come to the UK for higher education and lessen its allure. The UK is currently one of the top places for higher education, especially for Indian students.
This change occurs while the UK struggles with rising immigration rates.
A Free Trade Agreement is being negotiated between India and the UK to deepen relations. In November 2022, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that India and the UK will launch the Young Professionals Scheme, which would allow graduates and skilled professionals between the ages of 18 and 30 to live, work, and study in the UK for two years.
According to a recent official announcement, the India-UK Young Professionals Scheme will be introduced on February 28, 2023.
