UK STUDENT VISAS: KEY PANEL CALLS FOR EASING NORMS

LONDON: A key committee on migration on Tuesday stopped short of recommending revival of the post-study work visa scrapped in 2012 but said the government should “loosen visa requirements and regulations as much as possible”.

Universities UK (UUK), the umbrella group representing varsities, said it is disappointed the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) didn’t call for the poststudy work visa to be reinstated, adding the ability to work for a limited period after graduation is key to deciding where to study.

The committee’s report highlighted the contribution of Indian and other non-eu students to the UK economy – estimated at £17.6 billion in 2015 – and said it did not recommend any toughening of student visa requirements.

The panel noted the sharp drop in Indian student numbers in recent years and adverse coverage in the Indian press. Closure of the post-study work visa is seen as one reason for Indian students preferring other destinations.

The report, however, criticised the government for harping on the statement that there is “no limit on the number of genuine international students”, adding “they may wonder what the phrase ‘genuine’ means”.

The British Chamber of Commerce expressed disappointment at MAC’S recommendations. UUK president Janet Beer regretted the panel didn’t call for reviving the post-study work visa.