UK Implements Strict Regulations Limiting International Students’ Family Entry
In a significant policy shift, the UK government has officially enacted new regulations, preventing the majority of international students from bringing their families into the country. The move, effective immediately, has ignited internal dissent within Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s party, with concerns raised over the broader impact on legal and illegal migration.
As of today, international students undertaking courses in the UK will no longer be permitted to bring their dependents, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programs or courses supported by government-funded scholarships. These measures, announced in May, aim to address visa system misuse, with ministers projecting a substantial annual decrease of around 140,000 individuals entering the UK.
Visa Statistics:
Recent data reveals a noteworthy surge in student visas issued, reaching 486,000 in the year ending December 2022, compared to 269,000 in 2019. The number of student visas granted to dependents experienced an eight-fold increase, rising from 16,000 in 2019 to 136,000 in the past year.
Home Secretary James Cleverly welcomed the rule changes, emphasizing the government’s commitment to implementing a robust plan to control borders and prevent immigration system manipulation. The decision to end the practice of overseas students bringing their families is seen as an immediate step toward achieving the government’s broader goal of reducing migration.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper expressed the Labour Party’s support for restrictions on dependents for students on shorter courses. However, she criticized the government for not adequately addressing skills and labor market issues, which could hinder growth and exacerbate migration concerns.
In early December, the government unveiled measures to lower legal migration, including a substantial increase in the family visa threshold from £18,600 to £38,700. However, the higher threshold, initially set for implementation, has been postponed to “early 2025,” leading to accusations of “weakness” against PM Sunak from within his own party.
PM Sunak is also facing internal opposition over the Rwanda scheme, a part of his efforts to curb small boats crossing the Channel. Despite a decrease in migrant crossings, the Supreme Court ruled the scheme unlawful in November. Emergency legislation to salvage the scheme passed its second reading in December, revealing persistent challenges within the party regarding its implementation.
In summary, the UK’s recent policy changes on international students’ dependents reflect a broader governmental strategy to control immigration, stirring internal dissent and sparking debates over the effectiveness of these measures.
