The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has revealed that it anticipates receiving a formal commission from the Home Office for the review of the Graduate Route visa, following an announcement in Parliament by Home Secretary James Cleverly. The review aims "to prevent abuse and protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education." The MAC, which advises the UK government on visa policies, emphasized that any changes to the Graduate Route, particularly popular among Indian students, will have a substantial impact. MAC Chair Professor Brian Bell suggested potential restrictions on the types of jobs, activities, universities, and courses under the route, emphasizing the need to determine the purpose of the Graduate Route.
The review, expected to be initiated in early 2024, would be comprehensive, considering various options and factors. MAC anticipates reporting back around September-October next year, pending the receipt of the Home Office commission. The review is part of wider concerns raised about the purpose and impact of the Graduate Route, with questions about whether its primary objective is to enhance the international student experience in the UK or attract talented individuals to high-skilled graduate jobs.
Diaspora student groups and leaders have expressed concerns about the potential wide-ranging impact of the review, emphasizing the significance of the Graduate Route in attracting Indian students to the UK for higher education. Lord Jo Johnson, a former UK University minister, urged a narrow focus on abuses of the route rather than a wholesale reevaluation of the post-study work offer. Lord Karan Bilimoria criticized the UK government's immigration policy, describing it as "hostile" and damaging to the country's reputation worldwide.
Additionally, former home secretary Suella Braverman has proposed a crackdown on international students sponsoring dependents, prohibiting applicants, except those on designated research programs, from bringing family members on their visas starting January 2024. These developments add to the evolving landscape of immigration policies affecting international students in the UK.
