Call to revive post-study work

A visa rule popular with Indian students, which allowed them to work for two years after completing studies, should be revived to send a more welcoming message to international students at a time when Brexit is looming, UK universities said on Tuesday.

The provision, scrapped in 2012 when Prime Minister Theresa May was home secretary in the David Cameron government, allowed self-financing Indian students to recover some of the high costs of studying in the UK by working and gaining experience.

However, it was closed followed by some evidence that the route was being misused by bogus colleges that were admitting Indian and other non-EU students for purposes of employment rather than studies. Its closure led to a drop of more than 50% in Indian students.

Universities UK (UUK), the umbrella body representing all British varsities, said students should be allowed the same two years after completing studies, which will also benefit British employers when uncertainty linked to Brexit is leading to a dwindling labour pool.

UUK said reviving the provision will enable the UK to compete with other popular destinations such as the US, Australia and Canada, who have more welcoming student visa policies.

The timing of UUK’s call is significant. The key Migration Advisory Committee, which advises the government on immigration, is due to report on the impact of international students this month.