UK Ban Dependants To Go With International Students: The UK has a high rise in immigration, and the UK government aims to tighten up on the migrant profile who come to the country and reduce the net migration total.
Between June 2021 and June 2022, more than 500,000 people migrated to the country, more than twice the number of migrants in 2019. This week, new data will be released that is expected to show an increase of at least 200,000 in the total number of migrants for 2022
Net migration shows the difference between the number of individuals who come to the UK planning to live for at least 12 months or more in a specific period and the number of individuals who leave during the same time. In this blog, we will discuss the UK to ban dependents to go with international students.
UK Ban Dependants To Go With International Students
The Department of Education and the Home Office announces the new policy regarding international students’ dependents.
From January 2024, International students are not allowed to take their dependents with them in the UK while studying. This new rule applies to those who are studying in postgraduate research programs, including research-based PhD or master’s programs, and also to postgraduate courses not specified as research-oriented. These courses students can not take their dependents in the UK with them while studying.
Dependents include children who are under the age of 18, civil partners or civil, and elder parents who need care for the long term.
According to the report of the home office, In 2022, Around half of a million student visas were given. At the same time, the number of dependents of international students has increased by 750% since 2019 to 136,000 people.
Banning Dependants Expected To Have A “Tangible” Effect
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan states about “UK Ban Dependants To Go With International Students”:
The number of dependents brought by international students to the UK has increased significantly. We must take strict steps to reduce this number while keeping our commitment to the International Education Strategy. This strategy has greatly benefited the UK’s education sector and contributed to the economy.
The government has introduced a new policy described as the most significant tightening measure ever executed. Home Secretary Suella Braverman, known for her firm stance on reducing immigration to the UK, believes this policy will have a tangible impact on net migration. She believes this new rule is a fair approach to protecting public services while supporting the economy by allowing the most contributing students to continue coming to the UK.
Ms. Braverman also mentioned that although international students can bring dependents, they will have a higher burden of proof to show that they can care for themselves and their dependents.
Students Must Stay In The Student Route Until The Courses Are Completed
The UK government also mentioned that international students could not obtain a skilled worker visa before completing their studies. This rule discourages international students from selecting the UK primarily because they wish to work there instead of studying.
As India’s Economic Times reported last year,
An increasing number of international students are selecting the Skilled Worker route for a quicker and more affordable way to secure full-time work in the UK.
On the other hand, the Graduate Route demands costly course fees and maintenance expenses throughout the course duration before students can enter the job market. On the other hand, the Graduate Route demands costly course fees and maintenance expenses throughout the course duration before students can enter the job market.
The government is preventing non-genuine students from using the Skilled Worker Route to find work in the UK.
Will The Policy Be Softened?
UK ban dependants to go with International students, everyone wants to know will this policy be softened. In this paragraph, you will know what the UK officials have to say about it.
The main intention of the UK government is to work with universities for the next year to develop an alternative approach that ensures that the brightest students can bring their families to our world-leading institutions while continuing to reduce net migration. After thoroughly consulting with the sector and key stakeholders, we will bring this system as soon as possible.
And the new immigration rules will not impact the Graduate Route – eligible students will still be permitted 2-3 years to stay in the UK under this route.
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Source: ICEF Monitor
