Business and educational leaders unite to criticise new immigration policy changes impacting overseas students.
- The policy mandates graduates to return home post-study to re-apply for visas, which has met with widespread disapproval.
- Industry leaders argue the policy will harm the UK’s economy by losing skilled graduates to global competitors.
- Educational heads warn the policy sends a negative message to potential international students.
- Calls for a thorough review of the economic impact of international students in the UK are growing.
Recent changes to the UK’s immigration policy have been met with strong criticism from both business and education sectors. The policy requires international graduates to leave the UK after their studies and reapply for a visa from their home country. This move has prompted significant concern over its potential economic impact.
Seamus Nevin, of the Institute of Directors, voiced opposition in City A.M., arguing the policy disregards business advice to simplify the visa process for foreign students. Nevin described the decision as economically nonsensical, highlighting the vital contribution international students make, including billions in economic input and job creation.
Further criticism was echoed by Alistair Simms from Universities Scotland, who stressed the mutual benefits of international students and warned the restrictions could deter future applicants, harming both local economies and cultural exchange.
Leszek Borysiewicz from the University of Cambridge labelled the changes as politically motivated, sacrificing economic benefits at the expense of the UK’s competitive edge in research innovation. He emphasised that the world of research prizes early and effective action, a sentiment further supported by education leaders.
Tommy Sheppard, representing the Edinburgh East SNP, criticised the policy for pandering to political biases rather than reflecting economic realities. The policy, expected to commence this Autumn, has sparked calls for a comprehensive analysis of the impact of overseas student recruitment, led by Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute.
The policy changes have sparked widespread concern, urging a reevaluation of their economic implications.
