Reportedly, the UK plans to repatriate international students due to academic underperformance
The United Kingdom (UK) intends to expel international students residing in the country who fail to attain satisfactory grades.
According to The Telegraph, Home Secretary James Cleverly has urged the United Kingdom Migration Advisory Committee to evaluate the post-graduate visa as part of a five-point strategy aimed at reducing net migration by 300,000 from its record highs.
The report reveals that the UK issued two-year visas to more than 98,000 international students for post-graduation stay, marking a year-on-year surge of 42,000 or 74 percent.
Concerns have been raised about its potential misuse as a gateway for working in the UK, often in low-skilled roles, or as a means to extend residency for two years without employment obligations, the report noted.
Professor Brian Bell, the committee's chairman, highlighted the absence of a specific grade requirement for students to graduate.
In his statement, he mentioned, "There's no obligation to attain specific grades in your university course or similar criteria.
"We aim to reassess this aspect of the graduate route, considering whether it is prudent to introduce a rule stipulating a required grade or a particular accomplishment in one's course."
Bell went on to state that the committee would also explore the possibility of imposing additional restrictions, such as permitting foreign students to remain in the UK only if they attended specific universities or completed designated courses. Additionally, certain categories of employment or activities might be subject to limitations.
Currently, there are no limitations on your activities. If you have the financial means, you have the option to simply stay idle in the UK for two years. Alternatively, you can choose to engage in employment, whether it's a minimum-wage position or a highly lucrative job," he remarked.
Calls to eliminate or revamp the graduate visa have been voiced by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, expressing worries about its contribution to increased immigration and potential misuse.
According to The Telegraph, Jenrick previously stated in an article, "The graduate route is in need of extensive reform. Too many universities have shifted their focus from education to migration, marketing lower-grade, brief courses as a loophole for a life in the UK."
Leave A Comment