The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom revealed a significant drop in the number of dependents entering the country, marking an 80% decrease following recent visa system changes.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak took to social media on Wednesday to highlight the success of the measures, stating that the reduction demonstrates the efficacy of the new regulations.
The UK government’s call for a substantial reduction in dependents accompanying overseas students, including spouses and children, has shown tangible results.
According to data released by the Home Office for the period of January to March this year compared to the same period in 2023, there has been a remarkable 80% decline in dependents, coinciding with over 26,000 fewer student visa applications.
Effective from January, most international students, except those enrolled in research courses, are now unable to bring family members with them.
Additionally, they are no longer permitted to switch their visa status before completing their studies, as part of efforts to curb misuse of student visas for work purposes.
The Home Office underscored the necessity of these measures, emphasizing concerns over misuse of the immigration system and the strain it placed on public services and wages.
UK Home Secretary James Cleverly stated that the recent data validates the government’s commitment to implementing the largest-ever reduction in legal migration.
The decline in international student dependents is likely to impact Indian students, who have historically been among the largest cohorts of overseas students in the UK. With tightening visa norms and impending restrictions on post-study work opportunities, fewer Indian students may opt for UK universities in the future.
The government’s review of the post-study Graduate Route is expected to further restrict international students’ options in the UK. Experts anticipate this could lead to a decrease in Indian applicants, as the visa route has been popular among Indian students since its inception in 2021.
Furthermore, the Home Office has implemented restrictions on foreign care workers bringing dependents, aimed at curbing worker exploitation and abuse within the social care sector.
This includes raising the general salary threshold for skilled workers, which will impact approximately 300,000 arrivals in the UK annually.
The Sunak-led government’s focus on reducing both legal and illegal migration remains a priority ahead of an impending general election.
Recent actions include the voluntary relocation scheme for failed asylum seekers to Rwanda, alongside plans for compulsory deportation for illegal migrants following the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Bill into law.
