UK Govt to continue student visa restrictions: Here’s why

LONDON: The newly elected government of the United Kingdom (UK) has announced that it will maintain current restrictions on student visas.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed in a televised interview that the Labor Party has no plans to end the visa restrictions imposed on international students by the previous Rishi Sunak government.

In January, Sunak’s administration introduced a series of restrictions aimed at preventing most international students from bringing dependents to the UK.

After the election, there was speculation that the new government might soften its stance on international students. However, the Education Secretary has clarified that there is no intention to change these measures.

Phillipson acknowledged the significant contribution of international students, stressing that welcoming them allows the UK to make a global impact and strengthen business and trade links.

On tuition fees, the minister said their increase would be “unsustainable”, especially as students across the UK face challenges such as the cost of living and housing costs.

“I recognize the challenge, and I hear that message from the institutions, but I think it’s a distasteful thing to think about,” Phillipson said in an interview with news channel.

The education secretary also said the government plans to reform the overall system, although specific details are yet to be revealed.

It is worth noting that recent Home Office figures show a 40 per cent drop in sponsored study visa applications, indicating that the visa restrictions under Sink’s leadership have had a significant impact.