UK sees drastic drop in student dependents after visa crackdown

The UK government's tightening of student visa rules has led to a notable reduction in the number of dependents, typically close family members like a spouse and children, accompanying overseas students. The Home Office, in an update issued on Tuesday, reported that from January to March 2023, the number of dependents had fallen by nearly 80%, coinciding with over 26,000 fewer student visa applications.

Indians, who have been leading the international student visa tally in recent years, appear to be impacted by this trend. The UK's new rules, effective from January, restrict most international students from bringing family members unless they are enrolled in research courses. Additionally, students are no longer allowed to switch their visa status before completing their course, aiming to prevent misuse of the student visa as a "backdoor" to work in the UK.

UK Home Secretary James Cleverly highlighted the crackdown's impact, stating, "Ever-spiralling numbers were eroding the British people's confidence in our immigration system, burdening public services, and suppressing wages." He added that this was part of the government's commitment to cutting legal migration and ensuring the integrity of the UK's immigration system.


Official statistics from February showed that between 2019 and 2023, the number of Indians granted study visas rose by 85,849, making them the largest cohort of international students in the UK. However, the 120,110 study visa grants to Indian nationals in 2023 represented a 14% decrease compared to 2022, indicating a downward trend due to the tightening of visa regulations.

The government's review of the post-study Graduate Route, which allows overseas students to seek work and gain experience for up to two years after completing their degree, is also expected to result in further restrictions. This could deter international students, particularly Indians, from applying to UK universities, given that they have been the largest group on this visa route since its launch in 2021.

Additionally, the Home Office has imposed restrictions on foreign care workers, preventing them from bringing dependents. This measure, which took effect on March 11, is part of a broader effort to curb worker exploitation and abuse in the social care sector. While doctors and nurses can still bring close family members, the government has identified cases where care workers were offered visas under false pretences, leading to exploitation.

The new data also includes the final figures before the general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa increased from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700 earlier this month. The UK government claims that these measures, alongside others aimed at reducing migration, will result in approximately 300,000 fewer people arriving in the UK compared to last year.

The Sunak-led government, which is preparing for a general election in the latter half of the year, has made reducing legal and illegal migration a priority. These changes to visa regulations reflect the broader immigration policy direction and are part of a series of measures designed to control migration levels and address public concerns.


with PTI inputs