The UK’s newly unveiled immigration white paper, introduced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is raising alarm among education stakeholders across South Asia. With proposals to shorten the Graduate Route post-study work visa from two years to 18 months, experts warn that the changes may significantly impact international student mobility, particularly from key markets like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Graduate Route Cutbacks Stir Uncertainty
The Graduate Route, reintroduced in 2021 to allow international graduates to stay in the UK for two years post-study, has become a crucial incentive for South Asian students. The proposed reduction to 18 months is prompting concerns over whether the UK can remain competitive against destinations like Canada and Australia, where longer post-study work rights are available.
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Industry Voices Sound Alarm
Aritra Ghosal, founder of OneStep Global, stated the shorter visa duration could cause students to reconsider the UK, as it offers less time to secure employment and transition into long-term visa routes.
Sagar Bahadur of Acumen added, “Even minor changes to visa duration can shift perceptions in sensitive markets like India,” emphasizing that policy clarity and communication will be vital to maintain student confidence.
Bangladeshi and Pakistani Stakeholders Echo Concerns
For education leaders in Bangladesh and Pakistan, the potential reduction is particularly troubling. Ujjol Mia of Aspire Global Pathways noted the Graduate Route is one of the few remaining incentives in light of increasing visa and residency restrictions.
Osamah Qureshi from Pakistan’s Institute of Career Development argued that longer post-study work opportunities should be offered, especially to students attending regional institutions — a strategy used by competing countries.
Policy Timing and Communication Key
Stakeholders like Sushil Sukhwani of Edwise International highlighted that while the route is not being eliminated, its shortening could still affect student decisions depending on when it is implemented. A phased or delayed rollout, potentially from 2026, could mitigate the immediate impact.
Meanwhile, others see a silver lining. Jasminder Khanna of Gresham Global believes the shorter visa period may not matter significantly, as students are securing graduate roles faster than before.
AQF Mandate Welcomed with Caution
In a move to increase transparency in student recruitment, the UK government also plans to make the Agent Quality Framework (AQF) mandatory for all institutions working with international recruitment agents. This push toward ethical practices was widely welcomed but also drew calls for refinement.
Akshay Chaturvedi of Leverage Edu praised the emphasis on compliance but urged tech-led oversight. Others flagged the lack of proctoring in certification tests and unregulated sub-agents as weak points that could undermine the framework’s credibility.
6% Levy on International Income May Impact Outreach
Another significant proposal is a 6% levy on income from international students, intended to be reinvested in the UK’s higher education sector. However, Disha Gupta of Birmingham City University warned the levy might force institutions to scale back scholarships, recruitment, and support services in South Asia.
“If institutions lose budget flexibility, they may withdraw from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” Ghosal cautioned, referring to less-urbanized areas that require greater outreach and support.
UK-India Trade Pact Highlights Immigration Policy Tension
The timing of these immigration changes coincides with a newly signed UK–India Free Trade Agreement aimed at easing skilled worker movement. While this may improve opportunities for professionals, Bahadur argued it doesn’t address core concerns around post-study work for students.
“To attract top talent, the UK must offer both educational excellence and clear, viable career pathways,” he said.
Conclusion
While the UK government aims to rebalance its immigration strategy and reduce overall numbers, stakeholders across South Asia stress that such reforms must be carefully implemented to avoid damaging the UK’s appeal as a global education hub. Clarity, flexibility, and support will be crucial in preserving trust among prospective international students and their families.
This article is originally published on thepienews
