Published on 24 May 2024
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University leaders have welcomed news this week that the graduate visa will be retained.
The possibility of the government tightening or even abolishing the visa route, as part of its plans to curb net migration, had caused widespread concern.
But on Thursday, in response to recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Home Office and Department for Education said it would be retained - at least for now - stating that the route “will be kept under review”.
The visa was introduced in 2021 to enhance the offer to international students, retain talent upon graduation, contribute to the UK economy and increase the value of education exports.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, said: “I welcome the government’s decision as it is based on the evidence provided by the Migration Advisory Committee on the success and integrity of the Graduate Visa route.
“At the same, I recognise that the higher education sector has more to do to address some issues within the current system. Equally, that must be done with care as the changes that the government has already introduced – such as the removal of the right of postgraduate international students to bring dependents with them and the rising costs of visas – has already had a significantly adverse impact on universities.
“Reversing the declining numbers of international students coming into the country must be a national priority if Britain is to retain its position as a global leader in higher education.
“Past growth in international student recruitment to the UK has delivered a boost of more than £60 billion to the economy, with £153million to Sunderland alone in academic year 2021-22 (the last year for which figures are available). On top of their visa fees, international students who find work and start businesses in the north-east cumulatively contribute millions of pounds to the local economy.
“I hope that this decision is an important step along the way as we ensure the north-east – and the UK more generally – retains the vital skills that international students have brought which benefit our towns and cities.”
The government has already taken action to reduce the number of dependents entering the UK on a student visa, which will reduce the number of graduate visas as course uptake declines.