New UK government laws will greatly affect overseas students studying in the country. In a written address to the House of Commons, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced a crackdown on immigration restrictions for international students and their dependents, including children and elderly parents.
Under the new rules, only overseas students in research-focused postgraduate programs can bring their families. Unfortunately, this means international students studying in the UK cannot rejoin with their families. The changes only affect abroad master’s students at British universities, not PhDs, which take three to five years. These new rules will go into force next January.
Indian students, who make up a large section of UK foreign students, are concerned about the decision. Many students find emotional and practical help in bringing family members overseas. The new immigration crackdown will force these students to study apart from their families.
The UK Home Office, which oversees immigration and citizenship, has justified the new laws as part of its plan to regulate immigration and borders. The government says these measures favor research-focused postgraduate programs, which require significant training and boost UK academic and scientific progress.
The government’s move to ease immigration concerns and boost research may have unexpected repercussions. This harsher approach may deter overseas students from studying in the UK, as having their relatives nearby is a major component in their decision-making.
Universities and educational institutions must alter their support systems and give additional information to impacted students when the changes are implemented soon. These laws’ economic and cultural effects on overseas students and UK higher education are unknown.
