Kanimozhi writes to Jaishankar over UK visa difficulties faced by Tamil Nadu-sponsored students

Chennai: DMK MP Kanimozhi has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to urgently intervene in resolving UK visa difficulties faced by students sponsored by the Tamil Nadu government.

In a formal representation dated August 17, the Thoothukkudi MP drew attention to the plight of students selected under the Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship Scheme.

According to the letter, over 300 students were chosen during the 2025-26 period to pursue higher education at reputed foreign universities. However, the financial sponsorship provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu is reportedly not being recognised for UK visa purposes. The letter notes that this issue follows changes introduced by UK Visas and Immigration on April 17.


While the selected students received their sponsorship letters in the last week of July, the visa issues remain unresolved despite authorities being notified.

Kanimozhi highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that university joining and enrolment deadlines are scheduled for August and September. "Any further delay could result in students losing their admission and valuable academic opportunities when there is no fault of their own," the letter stated.

The MP requested the Ministry of External Affairs to urgently coordinate with the UK Government and UK Visas and Immigration. The representation seeks clear clarification regarding the acceptance of the state government's sponsorship to ensure that administrative and procedural hurdles do not cost students their overseas educational opportunities.