Published: 2024-03-12 by, News Team in the National news category

Foreign Nationals Exploiting British Education System: Foreign Student Visa Scheme Under Review

The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, has initiated a significant examination of graduate visas over rising concerns of potential misuse by foreign nationals. Today, Cleverly announced his intent to task the Migration Advisory Committee, an independent body, with reevaluating the graduate route.

Cleverly emphasizes the need to ensure that the visa, currently permitting foreign students to stay in the UK for up to two years post-course completion, prioritizes education over immigration motives. This move follows a notable 57% surge in individuals staying in Britain under the scheme, surpassing 114,000 last year.

There are apprehensions that courses with the lowest UCAS entry requirements (make up, liberal arts, religious studies, creative writing, anthropology, philosophy, graphic design, music, education, English literature) are being specifically targeted as a gateway into the UK by foreign nationals. Cleverly asserts, "We must prevent abuse of this route; protect the integrity and quality of our higher education; and ensure it works in our best interests," particularly as stricter regulations on legal migration take effect.

As of today, foreign nationals arriving in Britain as care workers will face restrictions on bringing family members with them. Cleverly announced this decision in response to data revealing that 100,000 care workers brought 120,000 relatives to the UK in the year leading up to September 2023.

Furthermore, care providers seeking to employ foreign care workers in England will now be required to register with the Care Quality Commission.

The Home Office, citing clear evidence of visa misuse, underscores the need to safeguard care workers from false job offers and exploitation by unscrupulous employers.

Later this week, legislation will be introduced to raise the minimum salary for skilled foreign workers securing a visa. Effective April 4, the minimum salary will increase from £26,200 to £38,700, with care workers exempted. Additionally, a 20% discount on minimum earnings for migrant workers in sectors with labor shortages will be abolished, and the list of qualifying 'shortage occupations' will be revamped.

To bring down record net migration levels, the Home Office aims to implement a package of measures, including higher financial requirements for families bringing foreign-based relatives to the UK. Starting April 11, the minimum income requirement, stagnant since 2012 at £18,600, will rise to £29,000 and further to £38,700 by early next year. These collective measures are anticipated to reduce net migration by an estimated 300,000 individuals annually, according to Home Office estimates.

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