Ryan FowlerNew data published today has shown a marked decrease in the number of dependants accompanying students to the UK, a drop of almost 80%, with 26,000 fewer student visa applications from January to March 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. These figures reflect the government’s recent tightening of student visa regulations aimed at reducing unsustainable and unfair levels of migration.
The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, commented on the new data, stating, “Ever-spiralling numbers were eroding the British people’s confidence in our immigration system, burdening public services and suppressing wages.” He added, “This data shows a significant fall in numbers on the first of our measures to take effect whilst underlining why necessary action was taken to cut unsustainable numbers of care worker dependants.”
These changes prevent most international students starting courses this year from bringing family members and restrict students from switching their visa status before completing their course. This aims to close loopholes that previously allowed the student visa route to be used as a backdoor to work in the UK.
Further reforms include a requirement for care providers in England, acting as sponsors for migrants, to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This measure aims to crack down on worker exploitation and abuse within the sector.
Cleverly also outlined additional steps in the government’s strategy to manage migration, which includes commissioning a rapid review of the Graduate route for international students, replacing the Shortage Occupation List with a new Immigration Salary List, and raising the minimum income requirement for family visas.
