Studying in UK: Keir Starmer’s immigration policies to impact international students – Investing Abroad News

Keir Starmer is Britain’s new Prime Minister, following a huge victory for the Labour Party after more than a decade in opposition. Foreigners wishing to reside in the UK and international students hoping to study at UK universities will have a lot to look forward to.

Immigration was a major topic during the general election of 2024, with both main parties promising to lower net migration levels. The way the incoming UK administration handles immigration matters is anticipated to have a big effect on both the future of overseas students and the British economy.

“Keir Starmer has been careful to take a nuanced view of immigration. On the one hand, he is committed to tackling low-skilled immigration through training local workers, on the other, he has supported migration which adds to skills and society,” says Ruth Arnold, Executive Director- External Affairs, Study Group.

The UK is the second most popular international student destination, hosting 700,000 students worldwide due to its strong international brand, high-quality research, and attractive graduate routes.

Bringing down the net migration rate was the primary objective of the Conservatives party. The UK government has updated its immigration and international student enrollment policies, effective from January 2024, with further changes expected later in the year.

Before the elections, the Conservatives established a migration advisory committee (MAC) to review the graduate route. The post-study work visa or the graduate route allows graduates from British universities to work in the UK for two years after completing their studies.

The Migration Advisory Committee after reviewing released a report recommending that the UK Graduate route remain in its current form, providing relief to overseas students. Keir Starmer’s view on the Graduate Route – “If we need high-skilled people in innovation in tech to set up factories etc, then I would encourage that.”

The United Kingdom’s new rules for international students and immigrants are delivering the desired results for the government. Almost 80% fall in student-dependent applications has been witnessed in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Since January this year, the British Home Office has granted 139,100 visas to skilled workers, skilled workers in health and care, and students, down from 184,000 in the same period last year.

The Skilled Worker visa’s general salary threshold has increased from £26,200 to £38,700, with the impact of this change expected to be revealed in future statistics releases.

“Sir Keir has said his number one task is economic growth to power national renewal. In 10 constituencies, including the seat that Sir Keir Starmer himself represents, international students bring in benefits worth more than £400m. He also understands the vital role international students play in UK university finances and local economies. So universities confidently expect Labour to continue to positively support international students in government as they always have in opposition,” adds Arnold.

A report titled ‘UK Higher Education Financial Sustainability Report January 2024’ highlights that UK Higher Education faces financial challenges, potentially impacting quality, student outcomes, and international standing, potentially undermining economic benefits and affecting student retention.

The new UK administration’s immigration stance will be closely monitored, with the possibility of continued support or tighter regulations for international students.