UK visa set to get tougher for foreign students

London, July 24: British Prime Minister Theresa May is all set to scrutinise the number of student visas being granted to students aspiring for a higher education in the country. The measure is being seen as a fresh attempt to reduce immigration.

According to the Independent, the Prime Minister is already preparing her administration to crack down on institutions offering higher education. She is set to claim that these educational institutions have become an “easy route into Britain for economic migrants”.

The Telegraph added that May has backed opinions which maintain that only the brightest and the most deserving should be let into the UK. May, As Home Secretary, had taken action against bogus educational institutions. Now as Prime Minister she and her team are seeking further curbs on mainstream universities to bring down net immigration.

The Telegraph quoted government sources while reporting that officials from the Home Office have already been asked to seek out more ideas on how to curtail the number of people coming into the country via the education route. According to data from the Home Office, reported by the Telegraph, one in five foreign students overstays their visa and continues to live in Britain long after completion of their courses.

The new plan comes after a debate which asked if May was committed to bringing net migration to below 1,00,000.