Fresh Government Row Over Graduate Visas Sparks Migration Crackdown

Government Crackdown on Graduate Visas

A recent crackdown on graduate visas to reduce migration numbers has ignited a heated debate within the Government. The Home Office is gearing up to revamp the graduate visa route, aiming to make it more challenging for foreign graduates to remain in the UK without securing high-skilled jobs.

Ministers Aim to Slash Migration Numbers

This move comes in the wake of net migration reaching 728,000 in the 12 months leading up to June. Government ministers have set their sights on reducing this figure to pre-pandemic levels, ranging between 200,000 to 300,000.

Concerns from Education Officials

Despite the push for stricter visa requirements, education officials have raised concerns about the potential impact on the university sector. International students contribute billions through tuition fees, with many universities relying on them for financial stability.

New Requirements for Graduates

Currently, overseas graduates can stay in the UK for up to two years without a job. However, the upcoming immigration white paper is expected to raise the bar by mandating that graduates secure high-skilled employment. Reports suggest that they may need to earn between £36,000 to £40,000, although the final figure is yet to be confirmed.

Focus on Career Prospects

Ministers are targeting sectors where salaries remain stagnant over time and plan to restrict the number of graduates staying in the country without genuine career opportunities. The graduate visa route, utilized by 150,000 individuals last year, currently makes up 10% of total net migration.