UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reportedly abandoned plans for a radical crackdown on graduate visas, which allow overseas students to work in the country for up to two years after graduation. The decision, which has yet to be officially announced, reportedly came after staunch opposition from cabinet colleagues.
The Guardian reported that the abandonment of the restrictive plan may coincide with the publication of the Office for National Statistics’ quarterly net migration figures on Thursday, May 23. The UK graduate visa has been a popular option for international students seeking to gain work experience in the UK after completing their studies. The proposed crackdown would have significantly reduced the number of graduates eligible for the visa and the length of time they could stay in the country.
The decision to abandon the plans is seen as a victory for universities and businesses, which have argued that the graduate visa is essential for attracting and retaining talented international students and graduates. It is also a sign that the UK government is reconsidering its approach to immigration, which has been criticized for being too restrictive.
The UK government has been under pressure to reform its immigration system, which has been criticized for being too complex and bureaucratic. The abandonment of the graduate visa crackdown is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for international students and graduates.
