These new restrictions “will significantly reduce net migration by limiting the ability for overseas students to bring family members,” the government said in a statement on Tuesday.
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Posted on 5/23/2023 5:35 PM Updated on 5/23/2023 5:39 PM
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman on May 10, 2023 in the House of Commons in London (UK). (JESSICA TAYLOR / UK PARLIAMENT / AFP)
A new measure to limit immigration across the English Channel. The UK government announced new rules for student visas on Tuesday May 23, including strict restrictions on family reunification.
The prestigious British universities attract many foreigners, often at high prices. The new restrictions on student visas “will significantly reduce net migration by limiting the ability of international students to bring family members,” the government said in a statement. These measures, which come into force in January, affect all students “with the exception of doctoral students”.
In addition, foreign students will no longer be able to switch from a student visa to a work visa before completing their studies. The government promises to crack down on “ruthless agents” using student visas as a migration route.
There is a labor shortage in several sectors
According to official statistics released in November, the country saw a record half a million people in net immigration between June 2021 and June 2022. According to the government, around 136,000 visas were issued to family members of international students in 2022, up from 16,000 in 2019. “We have seen an unprecedented increase in the number of family members of students coming to the country on visas. It’s time we limited that path,” said Home Secretary Suella Braverman, far right.
The issue of immigration control dominated debates during the election campaign that led to Britain’s exit from the European Union. The numbers of legal and illegal immigration have not decreased since then. At the same time, the UK has been facing labor shortages in several sectors since Brexit, including agriculture and healthcare.
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